Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

World War II forms the backdrop to the Bush family. George Bush goes to North Carolina to train and writes home to his mother describing his experiences and his views on life. He expresses his distaste for the propaganda used to encourage the young soldiers, particularly the racist attitudes towards the Japanese. He also expresses his feelings about sexual purity concerning his relationship with Barbara Pierce. He states that he does not believe in sex before marriage and holds himself to a high moral standard. He looks forward to starting his new life with Barbara on this moral plane.

After George ships out overseas, his letters become full of his wartime experiences. He writes to his family whenever he brushes with danger. In particular, he recounts a near death experience where the crew on his plane all dies but he survives...