Chapters 7-8 Summary

In chapter seven, John Moore is on his way to his assignment and has arrived in San Diego. His entire trip has been consumed with thoughts of Barbara, their time together, and their possible future. He is met by Gunnery Sgt. Zimmerman, who takes him to his new quarters, and Moore is surprised to find he is being billeted on a sailboat at the San Diego Yacht Club. Moore also discovers that he will be reporting to Lt. McCoy, whose reputation as "Killer McCoy" has reached Moore's ears many times in the past. The sailboat has several occupants, including McCoy's girlfriend Ernestine.

That afternoon, Lt. McCoy comes home to the yacht, and Moore is finally told what his assignment will encompass. During the conversation, Moore asks Lt. McCoy if he is "Killer McCoy", and soon realizes this is not a subject...