Act 1 Summary

In the opening scene, Martin, a private in the American Army, slits one wrist in an aborted suicide attempt. His friend, Richie, finds him and talks him into going to the infirmary. Carlyle, a stranger, appears in the doorway looking for Roger who is not home at that moment. Billy, yet another private, comes into the room and is concerned for Martin, though Richie tries to distract Billy and get rid of him. All three friends leave the room, presumably heading for the infirmary to get treatment for Martin. This is the last the audience will see or hear of Martin.

Roger enters the room with his laundry and begins putting it away. Billy returns to the room and the two men discuss the "ole sarge" who is going to be deployed to Vietnam as a Demolitions Specialist. Richie returns to the room...