Chapters 9 and 10 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 9, p. 109—Richard notes that Bravo Squad has 18 confirmed kills near the end of his tour of duty. He receives intelligence about Ilo-Ilo Island, which is 40 miles down the river. They go in a Mike boat that tows a smaller STAB boat. They sneak to the back of the island in the light STAB boat and set up a position. For hours they slowly move on the island until they see a VC base made out of a house on stilts. They advance and find some evidence of the VC and some booty, but still have not contacted the enemy. They find a cluster of buildings with Charlie in the area. Despite a ricocheting grenade, they shoot up the enemy and seize evidence of an extensive station for re-supply. Richard reflects on how his methods of sudden attack...