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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. After the remaining Vietcong flee, the Americans discover two _____ concealed in a bunker.

2. One of the civilians is a teenager who is shot in the ____.

3. Back at the camp Sells orders Downs to hike _____ kilometers south of the bridge.

4. The _____ platoon of Alpha Company meets up with Downs' troops.

5. How many Vietcong were shot and killed by soldiers in the helicopter?

Short Essay Questions

1. The American soldiers stumble upon a Vietcong camp. Describe what happens next.

2. What are some of Downs' ongoing complaints regarding the ARVN?

3. What is the irony surrounding the major injuries sustained by Downs?

4. Discuss Downs' state of mind at this stage of the war. What objections does Downs have about the way the mission is being operated?

5. Discuss at least one way in which the American soldiers can attack the Vietcong without being located.

6. How and why is Downs rewarded for his actions in the field?

7. What happens to the wounded men? What can the soldiers do to save them?

8. Explain Downs' escape and the attack on the other men.

9. The day after the conflict, there is another ambush. Who is ambushed? The recent events cause the men to have what realization? What is the reaction of the soldiers?

10. What is the plan issued to Downs by Captain Sells?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss in detail the involvement of the soldiers on Montezuma Mountain in Vietnam. Examine the location, its benefits and drawbacks. What was so important about that particular battalion at that particular location? What difference did it make to have the platoon at that location? How might things have changed after Downs' injury and eventual discharge?

Essay Topic 2

In addition to physical damage and recovery, many soldiers face temporary or permanent psychological damage. Discuss this fact as it applies to the book. Who may have suffered from psychological damage? How did Downs deal with his psychological issues first when he returned stateside and attempted to become a civilian to each incident when he was injured? How did Downs handle it when he was discharged from the military?

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?

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