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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did the First Indochina War end?

2. What does Herr say finally happened to the young marine?

3. What does one soldier do when he sees Herr's bloody nose?

4. What is the most popular strategy for ending the war according to the soldiers?

5. What is the official death toll for Ia Drang listed at?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe China Beach and what soldiers do there.

2. Discuss some of the reasons men have joined the military.

3. How does the battle of Ia Drang affect the American soldiers?

4. Describe the condition "shell shock." Why do parents fear their sons will come home with it and why do soldiers with it not want to return home?

5. What is the result of the siege at Khe Sanh?

6. Describe the state of the war as Herr enters it.

7. How do the soldiers feel about the war?

8. How does the presence of the correspondents lend importance to missions and also detract from the importance of the soldiers job?

9. How does the chapter's title reflect the feelings of the soldiers and differ from the upper brass's description of the war?

10. Describe the effects of fatigue on the soldiers.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the title of Chapter 4, Illumination Rounds. What are illumination rounds in a military sense? What are the illumination rounds Herr discusses?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Herr's decision to take up a weapon and fight in the Tet Offensive. How does this act change Herr's part in the war?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the culture of America that Vietnam Veterans returned to. How were they greeted and treated? What opportunities were available to them or denied them because of their time in Vietnam? How did their family members and friends treat returning soldiers?

(see the answer keys)

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