SCENE 1. ext. – Flash Tower, Walling BEQ - afternoon

Lt. callaghan climbs up the ladder from the roof

Duty Sergeant:

Good morning Sir, can I help you?

Lt. Callaghan:

Frankly Sergeant, I thought you had been informed of my visit. If not, that isn’t a problem. I’m Lieutenant Callaghan, C.M.A.C. Radio Officer and I’m here to validate that your communications infrastructure is supporting you and to see if there is anything we can do for you.

Duty Sergeant:

Sorry for the surprise Sir but you’re the first person from C.M.A.C. that we’ve seen. We talk to people in the TOC every day but have never had a visitor.

Lt. callaghan:

I would have expected that if you were out in the boonies, but not in the city. It’s your communications infrastructure I am here to understand but I would be willing to take any other problems back to headquarters that you think are important.

Duty Sergeant:

Can’t think of any right now Sir but can we take you up on your offer if one comes up?

Lt. Callaghan:

That’s not a problem just ask for the Radio Officer and say I told you to call. Do you all live in the Walling?

Duty Sergeant:

Are you kidding Sir? That would make life far too simple. No, we’re from all over the city which makes contacting everyone difficult at best. Then again, maybe some of us would rather have it that way.

So what’s going on at Headquarters? Are we winning these people’s minds and hearts?

Lt. Callaghan:

That’s a pretty tough question to answer and I don’t know that I can honestly answer it without pissing off a lot of people. On the one hand, I could tell you the party line, but you probably wouldn’t believe it. On the other hand, I could tell you what I think and although you might believe it, my bosses would really be pissed of if word got back to them – not that I have ever suppressed sharing my opinion with anyone if they asked. So, how do you want it, party line or my opinion?

Duty Sergeant:

Give us your opinion. We’ve already heard the party line and it stinks. Why are we here Sir?

Lt. Callaghan:

Frankly, I don’t know why we’re over here.  The United States first line of defence as I understand it is the Philippines. So, why are we here? According to some ‘it ain’t much of a war but it’s the only war we’ve got’. The reason could also be political, but I think that’s questionable. The reason could also be economic; I think that’s more like it. For the most part wars are always good for the hosting nation’s economy, unless the hosting nation looses – and hopefully there’s not much of a chance of that happening in today’s world. However, that could easily change in the future.

Duty Sergeant:

Well are we going to win Sir?

Lt. Callaghan:

I hate to sound like a Senator but that depends on what you mean by winning. The nice thing about our situation is we can leave whether we ‘win’ or not. The Vietnamese people have lost either way. Anyway, I’ve probably said more than I should have about the subject. For the time being our orders are to protect the city, and that’s whet we need to do; there is really no other option. We’ll see you later.

Lt. Callaghan descends the ladder

 

SCENE  2. ext. – c.m.a.c. senior staff patio – early evening

Lt. Callaghan and Capt. Dennison join other officers

Lt. callaghan:

These monthly presentations are always so serious. Look around, it’s like a morgue. Then again with Gottard gone I guess it is kind of down beat. I will miss his interactions with the Navy briefer. They were hilarious especially the standard ending – ‘and the 38^th RAG is standing in reserve’. I never thought the 38^th RAG would ever leave port.

Lt. callaghan is tapped on the shoulder.

Col. Sharp:

Oh Lieutenant Callaghan

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir?

Col. Sharp:

Just to let you know, you have been put forward for a Bronze Star that will be awarded tonight. It would be very helpful if you don’t screw up, especially with the new Commanding General.

Lt. callaghan:

That’s a relief Sir, especially after the cable cleansing incident.

Col. Sharp:

As I said Lieutenant, don’t screw it up.

Col. Sharp is drawn away by the G2.

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes, Sir.

Capt. Dennison:

It’s about time they recognised you for what you are.

Lt. Callaghan:

What the hell does that mean Sir? (pause) We’ll see what happens before we call it a success.

The General’s march is played and the crowd opens a path to the podium and comes to attention. Lt. Gen. Harkness makes his way through the crowd and sits on the small stage. Col. Sharp calls at ease and begins speaking

Col. Sharp:

This is the fifth senior officer gathering continuing a successful tradition. Tonight we are honouring several of our team: the Navy Briefer, the Radio Officer and the Engineering Officer. However, before the General sheds some light on the state of the conflict and our contribution, I ask you to take a minute of silent reflection in honor of our fallen comrade Brigadier General Gottard.

Lt. Gen. Harkness assembles his paperwork on the podium

Capt. Dennison:

I hope this isn’t going to be another diatribe on what we haven’t done, how we have screwed up and what we have to accomplish and how he thinks we should do so in the future.

Col. Sharp approaches from behind

Col. Sharp: (O.O.V)

Attention gentlemen, the General is speaking.

Lt. Gen. Harkness finishes his speech.

capt. Dennison:

That wasn’t too bad. He may be an all right guy after all.

Presentation of awards begins

Col. Sharp:

And now to honor those among us for meritorious achievement. Colonel William Taggart for meritorious achievement, Bronze Star, first oak leaf cluster.

Lt. Callaghan:

With oak leaf cluster?

Capt. Dennison:

That means that he has received more than one  Bronze Star. I’m surprised that Colonel Taggart is still around. He lasted longer than the best of them. That’s not to say he wasn’t good but it’s probably why he is getting an award.

Lt. callaghan misses the first call. Col Sharp calls again, louder

Col. Sharp:

Lieutenant James Callaghan.

Fellow officer nudges Lt. Callaghan

Fellow officer:

You’re cutting into our drinking time Lieutenant. You had better answer the Chief of Staff.

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir.

Col. Sharp is visibly upset

Col. Sharp:

Would you mind coming up front to receive your award Lieutenant or would you like us to deliver it?

Lt. callaghan approaches

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir, right away Sir.

Col. Sharp reads the citation while Lt. Col. Harkness pins the medal on Lt. Callaghan

Lt. Gen Harkness:

Your reputation precedes you Lieutenant. However, your accomplishments are significant and possibly outweigh your misguided acts. You must lead a charmed life to be here this long. I’m sure our paths will cross again. Congratulations.

Lt. Callaghan salutes and leaves the stage.

Col. Sharp:

Lieutenant Jeffery Burns, United States Navy

Lt. Gen. Harkness pins the medal on Lt. Burns while the citation is read.

Lt. Gen. Harkness:

I understand you are leaving tomorrow. Did the 38^th RAG ever get out of reserve or is it still in port?

Lt. Burns:

It’s still in port Sir.

Lt. Gen. Harkness:

I’ll never understand the Navy.

capt. Dennison:

What did the General say?

Col. Sharp:

Attention!

Lt. Gen. Harkness starts to leave but instead of the General’s march the band plays anchors aweigh. Lt. Gen. Harkness shakes his head, looks at Lt. Barnes and leaves laughing.

Lt. Callaghan looks at his medal

Lt. Callaghan:

Well I guess I’m finally a member of the Bronze Star of the month bunch.

 

SCENE  3. int. – c.m.a.c. Signal Office - Morning

Lt. Callaghan enters

Maj. Dingby:

Good morning Lieutenant. One wonders what you extraordinary feat you will accomplish today. Lately, you’ve been racking up points right and left telling soldiers this is an unjust war, not acknowledging command staff when they are attempting to honor you with a Bronze Star. What will you do next?

Lt, Callaghan:

I’m sure I will come up with something Sir.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Lieutenant, will you please cut the crap and provide me with your daily report?

Lt. Callaghan enters Lt. Col. Venetti’s office

Lt. Callaghan:

Sorry Sir, I had a momentary distraction. I am happy to report that the Duck Bunker is secure, there have been no fatalities and all seems to be well. You probably know that I inspected the Walling Flash tower yesterday and it looked like it was in good shape. I have a flight scheduled for the Flash Tower near 6^th ARVN on Friday Sir.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Is that all Lieutenant?

Lt. Callaghan:

I think that is all Sir, was there something else?

Lt. Col. Venetti:

You haven’t mentioned whether you are running for Congressman or Senator upon your return to the States.

Lt. Callaghan:

No Sir, that hasn’t something I have considered.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Then what’s al this political bullshit? You’re here to get a job done and not to hold political rallies, do you understand me?

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir. They asked me my opinion and I gave it to them. Is that wrong Sir?

Lt. Col. Venetti:

It is when it causes dissention in the ranks. I strongly suggest that you keep your opinions to yourself in the future, if you still have one. Now get out of here before I really get upset.

Lt. Callaghan leaves smartly

 

SCENE  4. Int. c.m.a.c. radio Room – mid morning 

A dejected lt. callaghan enters

sfc. Holstein:

Good morning Sir, how was your briefing with the Colonel.

Lt. Callaghan:

Good morning Sergeant, thank you for asking. It was not one of my more positive receptions. I’ve been accused of causing dissention among the troops by telling them what I think.

sfc. Holstein:

I understand Sir, but there are few officers who will communicate with them. In that regard, they feel left out of a situation that seems to be totally engulfing their lives and going nowhere.

Lt. Callaghan:

You should be very careful Sergeant. I was just called on the carpet by Big Brother for speaking like that.

Sorry I didn’t mean to be overbearing. The whole situation is completely out of our hands. It will be over soon in any case. I guess all we can do is make the best of it.

sfc. Holstein:

I understand Sir but there are some bright things in life.

Lt. Callaghan:

I could use a bright thing or two Sergeant. What’s up?

sfc. Holstein:

It’s the Australians at Free World Sir. I don’t know how much you know about how much they help us over at Microwave. They have allowed us to use their communications tower for our antennas, they loan us with ‘Made in USA’ state-of-the-art equipment when we are having communications troubles and they have a great attitude, not that yours isn’t great Sir.

Lt. Callaghan: 

So what’s going on?

sfc. Holstein:

They are having a celebration, something to do with an anniversary of their unit and they want us to join in. The trouble is, the Australians are notorious drinkers and they might be a bad influence on our troops.

Lt. Callaghan looked around at the expectant faces of the radio operators

Lt. Callaghan:

From the looks of these guys I would think that they would welcome the challenge.

Radio operators reply positively, in unison

sfc. holstein:

We can’t let them all go Sir.

Lt. Callaghan:

I am sure that you can work a plan who might want to do other things instead of this party. After all, it is predominately a Microwave party and we have no replacements for them. That’s going to be the toughest deal to work out. Have you asked the Aussies if they could be more considerate and have a two-day party so we could accommodate all the shifts?

sfc. Holstein: 

I am sure they would like that Sir however, it might not go down well with their commanders.

Lt. callaghan:

I don’t understand, they have shift problems just like we do. It would be most considerate of them to extend it to two days.

sfc. Holstein:

I don’t think we are getting anywhere with this Sir so I will do my best to maximise the scheduling of the men.

Lt. Callaghan:

Just as a matter of information, when is the party.

sfc. Holstein:

It’s this Friday Sir, I hope you don’t have anything planned for that evening.

Lt. Callaghan:

Just bridge duty Sergeant, just bridge duty. Give them my regards and have fun. Just make sure everyone gets home safely.

 

SCENE  5. int. C.M.A.C. Signal Office - Morning

Lt. Callaghan enters

Maj. Dingby:

Good morning Lieutenant, how are things in the Duck Bunker?

Lt. Callaghan:

They are fine Sir, nothing out of the ordinary to report other than the monkey escaped again and the MPs had to capture it and put it back in the compound. We might have to put a leash on it someday.

Maj. Dingby:

We’ll address that problem when we come to it. Right now, there is more pressing business. With Tet coming up there are more and more incidents happening in the city. Security is being tightened. I needn’t tell you that your troops should take extra care coming back from the Australian party.

The heightened activity has prompted the General to present a review of what has happened and what we should expect in the next month. He will be holding that briefing this afternoon at 1600 hours in the Command Briefing Room. You will be required to attend.

Lt. Callaghan:

Is there anything special we should be doing to help the situation Sir?

Maj. Dingby:

There is one thing that might reduce the number of possible complaints. General Minh and his family will be sleeping in the bunker to the left to the TOC entrance. I know that your troops frequent that spot when the want to get outside and have a smoke. I suggest that since they are going to start using the bunker that you have your troops go out back for their smoke breaks. That will provide a little privacy to General Minh and his family.

Lt. Callaghan:

Not a problem Sir, I’ll redirect the troops and attend this afternoon’s briefing.

Maj. Dingby:

That will be all Lieutenant.

 

SCENE  6. int. c.m.a.c. Tactical Operations center - morning

Lt. callaghan stops to look at the ever growing incident boards, one incident catches his eye

Lt. Callaghan:

Sergeant, what happened with the Lambretta?

TOC Sergeant:

It was one of those minibuses that was evidently packed with people coming into the city in the early morning rush hour. According to reports two rockets, probably 122 mm rockets being secreted into the city, attached to its undercarriage ignited and propelled the Lambretta down the street at increasing speed. Those that were lucky were thrown or fell out. Those that stayed with the vehicle lost their lives when the Lambretta hit a wall and blew a big hole in everything around it. Those passing at the time were also heavily affected. It was a pretty big mess in the end.

Lt. Callaghan:

It doesn’t seem to stop, does it?

TOC Sergeant:

No Sir. We just got word that someone on the pedestrian bridge over Le Loi Circle attempted to throw a one-pound charge of TNT into a convoy. Problem was the guy pulled the pin and when the convoy saw him and stopped he ended up blowing himself and a big piece of the bridge up. That caused a huge traffic jam for hours. You couldn’t make this stuff up Sir.

Lt. Callaghan:

I’m not looking forward to Bridge Duty tonight with all this going on.

Toc Sergeant:

Which bridge will you be inspecting?

Lt. Callaghan:

Nguyen Van Giai. Anything going on there?

Toc Sergeant:

Nothing specific that we know of Sir, but that is a bad part of town at any time so be careful.

Lt. Callaghan:

I’ll try Sergeant, but if my ticket is going to be punched, there isn’t much I can do about it. Thanks for the input.

 

SCENE  7. int. c.m.a.c.radio room – late morning

Lt. Callaghan enters

SFC. Holstein:

I’m glad to see you Sir. One of the power rectifiers caught fire a half an hour ago. We put it out but it’s dead. We won’t be able to keep all the batteries charged if we don’t get another.

Lt. Callaghan:

What have you done so far?

SFC. Holstein:

I sent Specialist Dudley to G4 to see if they could replace it. They said they couldn’t get a replacement on such notice. They suggested that we go to the black market.

Lt. Callaghan:

Dudley, see if you can find Captain Dennison. We’ll need his help.

Spec5 Dudley leaves

Sergeant, set up a circuit so that you can switch between battery sets. Then switch the power from one to the other every hour. At least that will extend the lives of both sets.

Capt. Dennison arrives

Capt. Dennison:

Dudley just stopped me as I was on my way to the Signal Office. What’s the problem?

Lt. Callaghan:

One of our power rectifiers has died and we need to find one on the black market. Do you have someone who knows where to go to find something like this?

Capt. Dennison:

Sure, Captain Chang. He’s our Sergeant Cox. We’ll need some money though.

Lt. Callaghan:

I’ll go see Major Dingby and start the process of getting some money. Could you get Captain Chang to take a look and let me know how much and then call me in the Signal Office.

Capt. Dennison:

Sure, I’ll get right on it.

 

SCENE  8. Int. c.m.a.c. Signal Office - afternoon:

Lt. Callaghan enters

Maj. Dingby:

Is there something wrong Lieutenant? You look a little excited.

Lt. callaghan:

There is something seriously wrong Sir, one of our rectifiers has bit the dust and we will be without power for the radios in at worst about three hours.

Maj. Dingby:

And what do you want me to do about that Lieutenant?

Lt. Callaghan:

Provide me with enough cash to go out on the black market and get a replacement Sir.

Maj. Dingby:

Lieutenant, we have procedures for this kind of thing. You should have come to me with a requisition and justification for the procurement of a replacement unit. I would then review it and ask you to make the appropriate corrections and then if it is reasonable. I would forward it to the Colonel who would then review it and possibly authorise the expenditure, if it is within our budget. Then it is sent to G4 for review and acquisition. One does not go directly to the black market in the first instance.

Lt. Callaghan:

Sir we did go to G4 and they told us they couldn’t get a replacement on such notice. They suggested we go to the black market.

Telephone rings, Major Dingby picks it up.

Maj. Dingby:

This is Major Dingby. Oh, hello Captain Dennison. Are you having a nice day? (pause) That’s nice. Yes, Lieutenant Callaghan is here. Tell him 10,000 pesetas. I just have. That’s all? Goodbye.

I assume that the 10,000 pesetas is the estimated cost of a replacement unit on the black market.

Lt. Callaghan:

Spot on Sir. I don’t have much time, can you give me the money or not?

Maj. Dingby:

The Colonel does have a fund for emergencies and I guess this is an emergency. If you turn your back I will get the money for you, but you’ll have to sign for it and bring back a receipt.

Lt. Callaghan:

From the black-market Sir? Since when is a black market transaction accompanied by a receipt?

Maj. Dingby:

Then I guess I have to trust you.

Lt. callaghan:

I suppose, under the circumstances, you’ll have to Sir.

 

SCENE  9. int. cmd, command briefing room - afternoon

Lt. Callaghan enters with other officers for the General’s briefing. He is collared by Maj. Dingby

Maj. Dingby:

Do you have anything to report Lieutenant?

Capt. Dennison approaches

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir. Captain Chang, thanks to help provided by Captain Dennison, secured a rectifier from his brother in law and it was installed and has just become operational. Thanks to him, it arrived just in the nick of time. Interesting that it was in its original crate. He must have found it lying around on some dock somewhere. We are preparing a requisition to replace the other unit as it is starting to fail.

Maj. Dingby:  

I assume that there is no change from the 10,000 pesetas Lieutenant?

Lt. Callaghan:

I’m afraid not Sir and he wouldn’t give us a receipt.

Maj. Dingby:

Then you had better send me a sign statement to that effect along with a requisition for this rectifier along with the requisition for the additional rectifier.

Col. Sharp Calls ‘Attention’, everyone is seated after ‘At Ease is called’

Lt. Gen. Harkness:

Gentlemen, I would like to provide you with the information that would have been provided by General Gottard had he been here, however with fewer expletives.

quiet laugh from the crowd

 I think that it is worth remembering that in many cases it was sheer luck that the city didn’t fall into the hands of the NVA in Tet of 1968. I have looked through some of the after battle reports and have found instances to support my comments. Of these there is one example that sticks out in my mind and that is the ARVN 105mm howitzer battery on the road to Bien Hoa, across the Newport Bridge on the opposite side of the river.

As two platoons of NVA dressed in ARVN uniforms and travelling in trucks with ARVN markings were within half a mile of this compound an American Lieutenant and a Vietnamese Sergeant found the compound deserted. With little time to react, they pulled the breechblocks from the guns, hoisted them into the back of a truck, and then threw thermite grenades into the tubes and ammo bunkers. As they left the compound amid explosions and small arms fire, they drove the truck off the bridge into the Saigon River and fled on foot into the city.  Had this base been placed under NVA control during the early stages of their assault the city would have been in much greater danger. This and other instances like this could easily have turned the tide and we wouldn’t be here today.

My point Gentlemen is situations like this will not happen during my watch. Is that understood?

Crowd answers ‘Yes Sir’ in unison

Now let’s get down to specifics…

Lt. Callaghan: (V.O.)

General Harkness continued to challenge the readiness of the troops, asking questions, often-embarrassing ones to make a point, rather than a witch-hunting tactic. The method of presentation was different that Gottard’s but very effective in involving the audience rather than preaching to it. One thing it did was to break down the barriers between the disparate sections of the command, bringing them together into a more cohesive mass. I didn’t get into trouble so between the two, I was really impressed.

 

 

SCENE  10. ext. – c.m.a.c. Duck bunker – early morning

Lt. Callaghan shakes the fence, the turkeys and some of the ducks respond. Shines his flashlight around the bunker and is appalled by what he sees

Lt. Callaghan:

Corporal, when was the last time you checked the compound.

MP1:

At midnight Sir, at shift change.

Lt. Callaghan:

Did you notice anything unusual then?

MP2:

No Sir, everything was fine. There was a disturbance around 0200 hours but that had to do with incoming rockets and flares. The animals did get rattled and we inspected the General’s quarters for any intruders but everything was quiet after that.

Lt. Callaghan:

Well it should be. Several of the ducks are dead on the other side of the bunker. Where’s the monkey, I didn’t hear his chatter?

MP1 opens the gate and checks around the bunker for the dead ducks and MP2 searches for the monkey. Turkeys attack them. 

MP2:

I don’t know how this happened Sir although I did see the monkey riding the back of one of the ducks earlier. He looked kind of cute when he does that.

Lt. callaghan picks up a duck, neck broken

Lt. callaghan:

He probably breaks their neck when he gets off.

MP1:

Sir, I found the monkey. He’s in the tree. He looks like he’s dead.

Lt. Callaghan shines his light into the tree and sees the monkey. 

Lt. Callaghan:

It looks like he did a double flip and wrapped the chain around his neck and hung himself.

Leave everything as it is until I report the situation in the morning. No one would believe it without the evidence. Make sure you enter this in the log.

 

SCENE  11. int. – c.m.a.c. Signal Office, morning

Lt. Callaghan enters

Maj. Dingby:

The colonel is waiting for your report Lieutenant Go right in.

Lt. CALLAghan:

Sir, we have a problem. Several of the ducks are dead, others injured and the monkey has hung himself.

Lt. Col. venetti:

What the hell do you mean several of the ducks and the monkey are dead? What the hell happened? Don’t tell me that the monkey killed the ducks and then hung himself out of despair? How did he hang himself?

Lt. Callaghan:

Something like that Sir, he went on a rampage during the rocket attack. He was fitted with a chain a while back because he kept getting out of the Duck Bunker and when one of the MP tried to catch him the monkey bit him. The MP went to the hospital and is still under observation for rabies.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Shit, I would have killed the little bugger if it bit me. Now what about the ducks? I am going to get an earful from the General after he gets it from General Minh when he finds out. It’s supposed to be a secured area! (pause) I don’t care how you do it Lieutenant but you had better get replacement ducks in short order and it had better be before General Minh’s cook finds out. He probably counts those goddamn things every day and then tells Minh. Now get the hell out of here and give that monkey a proper burial!

Lt. callaghan finds a telephone in the signal office

Lt. Callaghan:

Sergeant Holstein I want you to send a couple of men over to the Duck Bunker and remove the dead ducks and give them to the Mess Officer. Then send some into the market and buy replacement ducks. I’ll pay for them. Oh, by the way, the monkey has hung himself. Please cut him down and give him a proper burial.

 

SCENE  12. int. – c.m.a.c. Signal Office - Morning

Lt. Callaghan enters

Lt. Callaghan:

You wanted to see me Sir?

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Yes, I do Lieutenant. Lieutenant, are you trying to be a smart ass or does it just come naturally?

Lt. callaghan:

I don’t know what you mean Sir.

Lt. col. Venetti:

When I told you to give the monkey a proper burial, I didn’t with full military honors and under the flagpole at that. Everyone was watching. It was a mockery of military tradition. This incident is going in your permanent file.

Lt, Callaghan:

Sir, I didn’t know what happened. I’ve been at the 199^th most of the day. I’ll find out how that happened. However, since I am in charge I take full responsibility.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

Duly noted Lieutenant now get out of here.

 

SCENE  13. Int. – c.m.a.c. radio room evening

Lt. Callaghan enters

Lt. Callaghan:

Sergeant Holstein what ever compelled you to bury the monkey with full military honors?

SFC. Holstein:

Specialist Dudley came up with the idea and we thought it was pretty good. Everyone that attended, which was most of the command, got a kick out of it. Did someone find it offensive?

Lt. Callaghan:

Only Colonel Venetti. It’s going in my permanent record. What the hell, it could have been worse. I could have been sent up country.

Telephone rings, SFC. Holstein answers

SFC. Holstein:

Sir, it’s for you. Lieutenant Colonel Venetti wants you to return to his office immediately.

Lt. Callaghan:

Well Sergeant, I may have spoken too soon.

 

SCENE  14. int. – c.m.a.c. Signal Office, Evening

Lt. Callaghan enters

Maj. Dingby:

Go right in Lieutenant.

Lt. Col. Venetti:

I am pleased Lieutenant to give you this news. Your orders have come in.

Hands Lt. callaghan a file

They are none too soon. You have permission to clear post as soon as you can and I advise you to do so. Now, get the hell out of here, you’re dismissed.

Lt. Callaghan:

Yes Sir, thank you Sir.

 

SCENE  15. ext. – CMD parade field:

Lt. Callaghan runs out of the Signal Office, sees the mOnkey's grave and stops, straightens the flag on the monkey’s grave

Lt. callaghan:

Good-bye old friend it’s been fun.

Shot rings out, spec5 Dudley and some troops having a smoke in front of cmd Headquarters

spec5. Dudley:

What the hell was that? (pause) it was a rifle shot, get down!

MPs open fire on the sniper on a rooftop, kill him.

You can get up now Lieutenant.

Lt. Callaghan doesn’t move

Something’s wrong with the Lieutenant.

They run to his side, feel his pulse

Jesus, I think he’s dead!

Lieutenant joins them

Lieutenant:

Any of you guys seen an extra Microwave rig, I’m missing one.