The Bridges, P 62- 95, Oct 5th to Nov. 2nd Summary and Analysis

The next day, the flood waters recede and the platoon sends out a patrol of about 15 men. They go out into rice paddies and surprise a group of 6 Vietcong (or as they are called "dinks"). There is a fire fight and two Vietcong are killed. One American is wounded in the knee by the shrapnel from an exploded hand grenade. Despite superior firepower, most of the Vietcong get away. The men shoot randomly, hoping to hit someone. Lt. Downs aims carefully and makes one hit. The tank men do not get along well with the infantry Platoon, and against advice, come out into the battle; one tank gets stuck in the rice paddies. It is finally dragged out by other vehicles.

One soldier is malingering...