Chapter 17 Summary

The men injured in the ambush are lucky. They either return to combat or are sent home to heal. None die. On January 6th, however, a daytime helicopter assault lands C and D Companies in the heat of enemy fire. The soldiers aren't as lucky this time. Many succumb to injuries and death, almost all to a blind rage that dissolves into mob-like behavior. They burn down Ha Na village, home to nearly 200 Vietnamese civilians, without thinking and without flinching.

Somehow in inflicting such horror on others, the soldiers' own horrors dissipated with the smoke of the village fire. By the end of the evening, there is only ashes and calm.

The next morning, the wounded and dead are lifted out by helicopter, firing continues on both sides and the war continues.

Chapter 17 Analysis

The psychological damage of the war is bubbling up...