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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. The platoons will be stationed approximately how many kilometers apart?

2. On what day is the first Vietcong soldier killed by a soldier?

3. What is the name of the radio officer?

4. What is the company's motto?

5. What is the man's military rank?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the area around the base camp and how it is different than Downs expected.

2. What is the basic plan for battle for the First Platoon? Would the platoon have any back up?

3. Describe the people confronted in one of the villages. What happens to them?

4. What is the issue with convoys traveling by the established road? What were the orders issued to the men?

5. Describe the scene when Lt. Frederick Downs arrives at the airfield for the first time.

6. What is the plan for the base camp once the soldiers arrive on site?

7. Where does Downs and his platoon spend the first two months in Vietnam?

8. Discuss Downs' first mission and the sights he witnesses.

9. Describe the others at the camp, including Downs' meetings with other soldiers and superiors.

10. What is exposed by a random shot fired by Downs? What is the next step taken in the mission? What is discovered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a short story or essay from the point of view of Downs as he reminisces about his championship shooting awards and accolades earned throughout his military career. How did Downs' views change over the years?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the extensive type of treatment that Downs had to receive as a result of the gunshot wound and eventual amputation. What kind of preliminary treatment did Downs receive? What is the biggest danger to a soldier immediately following an encounter with a land mine? What is the worst part of the recovery? What actions can be taken to help amputees? How did Downs fare after his treatments?

Essay Topic 3

Downs was among a long line of other soldiers wounded in the line of duty. Examine and discuss various types of wounds that are mentioned in the book. How were the majority of the wounds inflicted? What is the standard treatment of a non-serious wound? What is the standard treatment for a potentially fatal wound? Who attends to the soldiers when they are wounded? How common is it for doctors to be present and to take care of the wounds? When doctors are not around, who performs the work?

(see the answer keys)

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