“Made up my mind to make a new start
Going to California with an aching in my heart…”
~ Led Zeppelin.
July & August 1966.
As Patrick safely guides Tien and her girls back to her home in Quy Nhon, his status is changed from “MIA” to “AWOL.” Flagging down a convoy for a ride back to Camp Radcliff, he’s “apprehended” and returned to base in handcuffs and sent to the stockade. Sgt. “Hero” interrogates Patrick about his reasons for deserting the unit and, on learning the truth, has him assigned to guard duty pending a court-martial.
While Gus is at work in the city, a uniformed officer delivers a telegram to Colleen about Patrick’s “MIA” status. Colleen breaks down and phones Gus, who leaves work and hurries home. Meanwhile, Major Sparks informs Sgt “Hero” that Patrick’s “situation” cannot be allowed to reach a court-martial, since the incident in question would become a matter of public record, and orders Sgt. “Hero” to “clean up this mess, quickly.”
As Colleen and Gus have breakfast, another telegram is delivered to their front door informing them of Patrick’s death due to “accidental discharge of his weapon.” Colleen breaks down while Gus grills the ROTC officer delivering the news. Later, Liz flies in for Patrick’s funeral as Reverend Larsen presides over in the half-filled church. Filing out, Gus tells Colleen that it’s time to put the house on the market and make preparations to join Liz in California.
