Chapters 11-15 Summary and Analysis

The Korean War breaks out, and while all around him are giving Frank advice how to stay out of the Army, he keeps the secret that he is thankful for any excuse to be away from the Biltmore Hotel. Frank has basic training at Fort Dix in New Jersey where he continues to struggle with the different beliefs and opinions of those around him. At Fort Dix a corporal name Dunphy shows Frank how to clean his rifle and the result impresses at inspection. Frank is chosen as the colonel's orderly, and will ride around with the colonel while he attends to business.

In Chapter 12, Corporal Sneed orders Frank to pick up a cigarette butt off the ground, and Frank innocently replies that did not drop it, as he does not smoke. The Corporal angrily has Frank dig a...