North to Tam Ky, P. 211-237 Summary and Analysis

The Lieutenant's platoon is flown in helicopters to the northern part of South Vietnam, towards Tam Ky province. This area is considered a free-fire zone, since it is so heavily controlled by the Vietcong cadre. A free-fire zone means that practically anyone can be shot. Pro-South Vietnam government officials and police are quickly executed by the Vietcong in this area. The more genocidal side of the Vietnam War is revealed also in the quick shooting of old men, women and children, by the platoon. This is justified by Lt. Downs because the bodies are found to have grenades and ammunition in their back packs. The platoon lands in the Tam Ky area near the coast, in the north. The area is formerly an active rice growing area, but now is largely...