“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 gets officially 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. Sgt. “Hero” interrogates Patrick in the stockade about his reasons for deserting the unit and, on learning the truth, has him assigned to late night guard duty pending a court-martial.
With Gus 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 immediately 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 arrives at 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 the ceremony in the nearly empty 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.
