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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. This section begins with which company engaging in a fierce battle?

3. What unfortunate incident happens to Downs when he must face an enemy.

4. One of the men falls ___ feet and stops breathing.

5. The patrol is sent out not to fight but to locate:

Short Essay Questions

1. Who arrives to assist the soldiers? What happens during the operation?

2. What happens to a soldier from the Alpha Company's 3-6 platoon?

3. Sells sends Downs and his men on a foot patrol. Where does Sells send the men? What change has there been in personnel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Downs is disgusted by the behavior of the ARVN soldiers. Explain why Downs was so angry. Was that kind of behavior common for a trained and experienced soldier? Explain. Do you think Downs was truly concerned about the ARVN hurting his platoon? What might have happened if a soldier had been hit by the shots fired over the heads of the platoon members on patrol? Do you think the shooting would have been covered up or would the ARVN soldier be exposed? What might happen to the soldier if caught?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss the statistics mentioned in the book. Explore the accuracy of the details. What other details should have been included? Which details may have been more pertinent? What else should have been said about the end of the war? How did the end of the war affect the hundreds of thousands of military personnel and their families? Were there any other wars in recent history that equaled the one in Vietnam?

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This section contains 845 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample