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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. An old woman searches the camp and finds which of the following?

2. What is the nickname used for the local residents?

3. What types of patrols are sent out by Downs?

4. By chance the soldiers learn that there are numerous _____ in the area.

5. The soldiers must also erect which of the following:

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Downs deal with one of the soldiers that has proven to be lazy?

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

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

4. Describe the scene that takes place on the bridge. Who is involved?

5. What is the biggest problem with this plan?

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

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

8. Downs comes to what realization during this time?

9. What difficulty do the soldiers have when it comes to landing the helicopter? What is the solution to the problem?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Downs must have felt arriving back in the United States after being in Vietnam. How would you have felt in the same situation? Which would feel stranger to you - arriving in the States or going home to your house? Explain. Also, write about how friends and family might treat you differently after you returned home from war. What kind of treatment would one expect? Would it be different depending on amount or extent of wounds? Would it be different if the wounds were physical or mental?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Compare and contrast the life of an American soldier with soldiers from at least two other countries, in addition to North and South Vietnam. Include the involvement of the ARVN in comparison to the regular Army troops. Which do you think made the biggest efforts? Which country was most instrumental in ending the war?

(see the answer keys)

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