Chapter One Summary and Analysis

The author of the story, James N. Rowe, is stationed at Tan Phu when an effort to coordinate communication between Tan Phu and Camau brings Rocky to Tan Phu. Rowe learns that there's to be an operation. Forces from the camp are to go to Le Coeur to drive out Vietcong forces. Le Coeur is too near Tan Phu to allow the newly-arrived Vietcong to remain. Rowe notes that it's a feasible plan if they can get in and out without meeting additional enemy forces, though they don't know for certain how many enemy forces are in the area. The plan is for one group to attack the hamlet while two other groups set up for an ambush if any escape the main attack.

Rowe notes that there are some flaws in the plan, including the lack of fire...