Chapter XXI Summary

Henry and his friend scuffled a bit over which one should carry the flag. They each were satisfied with the other's possession of it but they each also felt it necessary to offer to carry it, recognizing the greater risk to the one holding it.

The regiment halted in some trees for a short while and continued to be assaulted by rifle fire. They simply bowed their heads and accepted their fate. At the back of the unit, there were men who continued to show more spirit and fired irritably at the enemy. For the most part, though, the unit was a machine that had just run down.

As the smoke began to clear once more, Henry saw the horrible sight of the brown-suited enemy rushing at them at close range. Again, more smoke filled the air between them as the...