charlie doesn't live here anymore...if they make it out alive, they vow to reunite. they...

STONE PONY

By

Stephen Paul Campos

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

adapted from the book

"STONE PONY”

By

Stephen Paul Campos

Registration Number: 1746857 WGA

© 2014 All Rights Reserved.

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FADE IN:

EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. – DAY The city of magnificent distances.

TITLE CARD: Based upon a true story.

EXT./INT. MCCLATCHY WASHINGTON BUREAU – SAME TIME

The offices of the McClatchy Company, one of the largest news organizations in the country. Their motto: "Truth to Power."

TITLE CARD: Spring 2005

INT. EDITOR'S OFFICE – SAME TIME Assignment Editor GIL FORRESTER (62) sits behind his desk.

Across from him sits reporter JONATHAN MILLER (38), a memo pad on his knee.

FORRESTER Imagine that it's June 1968, Vietnam. Three combat buddies survive a friendly fire incident. They take an oath to die for each other. If they make it out alive, they vow to reunite. They survive. They haven't seen each other in 37 years.

JONATHAN

Heavy stuff.

FORRESTER Vietnam vets have gotten the short end for years. I'd like to change that.

JONATHAN Be a good angle for Memorial Day.

FORRESTER

Better be. It's going to be the lead story.

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JONATHAN Best get started.(he stands up and starts walking toward the door and looks back)

FORRESTER

Every face tells a story, JON. Make people remember.

INT. REPORTER'S CUBICLE – LATER Jonathan scans his notepad. He picks up the phone and

dials. He waits.

JONATHAN (INTO PHONE) Hello, this is Jonathan Miller from the Bee, calling for Stephen Campos.

EXT. BALTIMORE – SAME TIME The grand old lady of tidewater Maryland.

INT. BALTIMORE – HOUSE - KITCHEN – SAME TIME

An answering machine clicks on and broadcasts the reporter's LAST WORDS. A HAND reaches into frame and picks up the phone. He looks at a picture that is next to the telephone. It is a picture of himself and his two combat buddies in 1968. He glances at the inscription “Greater Love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. John 15:13

BACK TO CUBICLE

Stan cradles the phone in the left crook of his neck and opens his memo pad.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) This is he. JONATHAN

Hello, Mr. Campos, I’m with the Bee, your hometown newspaper. You contacted us in regards to a reunion about you and your two combat buddies meeting for the first time in 37 years. Is that correct?

STEPHEN (ON PHONE)

I did. A while back.

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JONATHAN Well, my editor thought it was a great idea and assigned me to do the story. I understand you haven't seen each other since 1968?

STEPHEN (ON PHONE)

That's correct.

JONATHAN You said in your letter that you

were planning to get together this Memorial Day.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE)

Yes, we've arranged to meet at “The Wall”. At The Vietnam War Memorial.

JONTAHAN We'd like to run the story on Memorial Day, so we haven't much time.

STEPHEN Okay.

JONATHAN I'd like to meet you there, take a few photographs, and get some more information from your buddies. That work?

STEPHEN Sure. (excited)

JONATHAN First, I need some background.

STEPHEN (SUDDENLY ANGRY) Listen, I haven’t told anyone about my true feelings. But, personally, I am still angry. I’m angry about the way I was treated when I came home, by my best friends and the nation. I am angry that I was called a baby killer and looser. I was spit upon and looked away with disgust when I wore my Army uniform.

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JONATHAN I understand, Mr. Campos, but it’s time that you and others were honored for your service. This is why I am here. To get your side of the story. STEPHEN Well, okay, (TAKES A DEEP BREATH)You can call me Stephen. JONATHAN

Did you enlist or were you drafted?

STEPHEN I enlisted. My grades were really bad while I was at Junior College and I was drinking and partying a lot in the summer of 1967. I thought the Army could help me set my life straight and my marriage.

Fade in: 1967- in an apartment that is crowded with young high school kids drinking. Stephen’s wife Renee is dancing sexy. Stephen is drinking

and talking with another girl trying to win her affection. Fad out- fade in. present day 2005

JONATHAN

Are you from an Army family?

STEPHEN No, but I always played soldier when I was a kid.

EXT. MODESTO, CALIFORNIA – DAY A small, sleepy Central Valley town.

TITLE CARD Easter 1958 Head down and back to us, a 10-year-old STEPHEN takes a leak. He has to pee so bad he doesn't realize what lies before him. When he finally looks up, his eyes widen. Frantic, he

tries to zip up his pants. He gets halfway, gives up, turns, and starts running home.

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STEPHEN (V.O.) And, I guess like any other kid my age, I wanted to be a hero, just like John Wayne.

NEIGHBORHOOD STREET – MOMENTS LATER – STEPHEN IS IN FULL RUNNING STRIDE. Stephen rounds a corner and dashes up onto the front yard of a modest house.

His COUSINS are playing in the front yard of their

grandparent’s home.

STEPHEN (BREATHING HEAVILY) Hey, hey you guys! You gotta see this!

Stephen turns around and sprints back the way he came, yelling over his shoulder.

STEPHEN

Come on! Follow me! Come on!(waving and running down the street and occasionally looking behind)

EXT. EDGE OF THE RIPARIAN FOREST The cousins all screech to a halt. RONNIE (15), the oldest, leads the charge. There was Lane (14), my brother Roger (12), Joann (11), me (10), Rennie (9), and the twins, Chris (6) and Jeff (6) A deep, bright forest spreads out before them. It seems to go on forever. The faint sounds of the forest fill the day air.

RONNIE (LEADING) Better let me go first. I'm the oldest.

LANE (HE FOLLOWS RIGHT BEHIND RONNIE)

We all should go in single file, oldest to youngest.

ROGER

Yep. 'Sides, you may need some back-up.

RONNIE (LOOKING BACK) Okay. But that means I’m toward the

end of the group. I don’t like that.

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ROGER Well, you can be a corporal then. Is that okay? RENNIE Okay, then. Stephen had stated entering the forest. RONNIE I’m the captain. Get back in formation private Campos. (he calls out to Stephen)

Stephen comes back and gets in line with the others. Ronnie leads the squad into the jungle. They all walk slowly and deliberately watching for signs of the enemy. The all pretend with their hands that they are carrying real weapons.

They continue into the forest. A raggedy dawn patrol.

STEPHEN (V.O.) This would be the first of many trips to what we started calling "The Jungle." It was our pretend world where we were in

the Army fighting the invisible enemy. This is where I learned to become a skilled and mighty warrior. RONNIE

After 15 minutes Ronnie things it may be best to be prepared before they all enter no mans land. (ALL OF A SUDDEN RONNIE, YELLS AND PUTS UP his hand) HAND, “SQUAD.. HALT”

We’d better go back and make some weapons, men. We'll also need food.

JOANN

I can get us something to eat.

LANE Yah! We can make some wooden guns in Grandpa's workshop.

RONNIE Roger that. Let's go and we'll come back later.

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ROGER (TURNS TO STEPHEN) Did you hear that butt head. Turn around, we’re heading back.

Int. Grandpa's house – workshop - later All the boys are busy building wood pretend rifles and pistols. Ronnie finishes his on the jigsaw. Lane starts top work on his and then Roger. Joann trudges through the open garage door, carrying a

small paper bag. It's loaded with a few kid provisions. Half a pack of Graham crackers, a pack of chewing gum and a few pieces of candy.

JOANN Ok, I got the grub. Ready to go?

RONNIE (LANE AND RONNIE ARE FINSHED WITH THEIR GUNS)

Are we finished men? LANE Yep, ah, all accounted for sir!

ROGER

(ROGER FINISHES HIS WOODEN GUN) Okay, men, let’s go. Stephen and the other younger cousins scamper to gather a piece of wood. They have been waiting for a chance to use the jig saw. STEPHEN (hurriedly tries to find some wood to make a weapon) But, Rennie and I aren’t ready. We

haven’t made ours yet. Ronnie, Lane and Roger are heading out of the garage. ROGER Tough luck, butt head. We’re going anyway. Ready or not. Let’s go men(roger walks away) LANE (TURNS AROUND) Yah, butt head, touch luck.

RONNIE Lane, keep these crunchies in line. Let’s go, keep the all up with us.

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LANE (army count) Your left, your left, your left right left, hupp to three four…hupp to three four… The cousins MARCH down the street and enter the forest.

EXT. FOREST – DAY Stephen and his cousins walk through the jungle pretending to be their version of Army soldiers. They

walk slowly. Sometimes, they kneel down, scan the trees, and listen for signs of the enemy. They hold their imaginary weapon in their hands. Deeper and deeper they walk, not knowing where they are going, yet trusting in their Captain Ronnie to lead the way to safety. ONE HOUR LATER- the boys are walking in high grass and mud.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

My mind was going crazy. I was scared.

What if someone got hurt or bit by a snake or a wild animal? What if we got caught by the police and put in jail? What if we got lost? We had no water or food. We all walked past a sign that read “No, trespassing”. Now we’re really in trouble, I thought. Boy are we going to get caught. This is not a good idea. I didn’t know if we were lost or what. We kept walking and walking for several hours. It was hot that day.

We were all sweating and getting more and more tired. CHRIS (AT THE REAR OF THE SQUAD) I want food. I’m hungry! I’m hungry! JEFF Yah, I’m hungry too!! I need something to eat too. CHRIS I’M HUNGRIER MORE THAN YOU ARE!

JEFF NO, YOU’RE NOT!

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CHRIS YES, I AM! JEFF AM NOT! CHRIS YAM TOO! RONNIE (LOOKS BACK AND YELLING) SHUT IT! Right now, you two! We are

deep in enemy territory. Keep quiet. Joann would you take charge and keep them quiet would yah? JOANN Ok, Ronnie. (she gives them the small bag of food- the boys eat everything in the bag)

The cousins continue to walk through the forest one behind another looking and then stop. LANE

Squad halt! (he holds up his arm) Joann pass me the grub, I’m hungry. RENNIE Yah, I could use some grub too. Joann grabs the bag from Chris and puts her hand into the bag, nothing, it’s empty. She turns the bag over to empty the contents in her hand, nothing. JOANN Ah, there isn’t any grub left Lane.

LANE What do you mean there isn’t any grub left? I’m hungry! JOANN Well, Ronnie told me to keep Chris and Jeff quiet and they eat it all. LANE DANG! JOANN, that’s all we had. RENNIE (looking back at

his sister) Yah, Joann, that’s all we had. LANE

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Now, we’re gonna starve to death. RENNIE Yah, JOANN, WE ARE GONNA STARVE TO DEATH, ALL BECAUSE OF YOU! Dang it! JOANN I did what I was told. Now, both of you shut you’re mouth! Or I’m going tell Dad! RENNIE

OKAY, OKAY. RONNIE THAT’S IT. ALL OF YOU SHUT IT RIGHT NOW. Keep moving. Let’s move out so we can get home and have some real grub and Turkey Dinner! LET’S MOVE OUT! (he motions with his hand to move forward) The cousins now are all hungry, tired and Cranky.

Five minutes later the cousins are still walking when all of a sudden Ronnie dives for cover.

RONNIE

Enemy fire! Bam, Bam, Ka-Bam! You're dead, Chris. Bam, Bam, you too, Jeff.

Chris and Jeff hand to their chest, scream and fall to the ground. Casualties of war.

CHRIS Ah, I’ve been hit.(HE CRUMBLES TO

THE GROUND) JEFF Yah, me too! Ah! (HE HOLDS HIS HAND OVER HIS HEART and falls to the ground dead) Then, Jeff stands up.

LANE

I said, You're dead. Not just shot, but dead! Deader'n a doornail! Do you hear me? You know what that means? D E A D, DEAD! GOT IT?

Jeff starts crying.

JEFF

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But. I don't wanna be dead. CHRIS (starts crying)Yah,I don’t want to be dead either!

Jeff and Chris are both crying now. All the other cousins are watching and looking to see what Ronnie will do.

RONNIE OKAY, OKAY, you two, it's only make-believe. YOU ARE JUST

PRETENDING TO BE DEAD - GOT IT? JOANNE They can just be shot and I'll fix 'em up.(she comes over to comfort them) RONNIE I said they were dead. Darn it! I’m in charge. They’re Dead. They were killed by the enemy.

Chris and Jeff start crying again.

Joanne walks over to console her cousins. A tiny Nurse Nightingale.

ROGER (LOOKS AT STEPHEN) Butt head, Grab their gear.

STEPHEN

But, why do I have to carry their crap? Why can't Rennie? He’s younger then me?

ROGER Because, he's a corporal and

you're just a stinkin' private.

STEPHEN Why can't I be a corporal? Who made him a corporal anyway? ROGER I did, now shut it before I hit you in the face. (he makes a fist at Stephen pretending to hit him)

Stephen holds up his arm to block the blow.

LANE (STARING AT STEPHEN)

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And 'cause you're just a kid. Now, shut up and do as you're told. Or do you see this? (HE MAKES A FIST) You’re gonna get it in the face by Roger.(Lane looks at Roger and nods) STEPHEN (TURNS and walks away) You just wait and see. I am going to be a Sergeant someday. And then we’ll see who gets to order

who around. You just wait and see!(angry-UNDER HIS BREATH)

Chris and Jeff have stopped crying. Joann has wrapped her arms around both.

RONNIE Alright men, let's keep quiet. We're in no man's land and in enemy territory. Lane, you be the Chaplin. You’re residing over the ceremony. And they are JUST PRETENDING TO BE DEAD, NOT REALLY DEAD- got it Chris and

Jeff? (he looks at Chris and Jeff nodding)

LANE (MIMICKING SOLEMN)

Okay, Ah, we're all here today to honor our fallen soldiers, PVT. Chris and PVT. Jeff. (he nods and looks at them). They were great fighters, fearless, determined, cheerful, thrifty, clean, brave and reverent!

Both Chris and Jeff look at each other and

smile!

RONNIE (INTERRUPTS) Just, say some friggin words from church. So they’ll go straight to heaven, darn it! We haven’t got time for this crap. We got to get back to eat dinner.

JEFF

Yah, I’m hungry! CHRIS

(Mimicking Jeff) I’m hungry too.

LANE

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Shut up! Both of you. The dead don't talk. Got it!(he puts up his fist) JOANN (YELLS and looks at Lane with an angry stare) LANE! RONNIE Okay, okay, (he looks at Lane) Lane, just finish the dang prayer.

All the kids crowd around in a circle looking at Chris and Jeff who are laying on the ground pretending to be dead.

LANE (FOLDS HIS HANDS LIKE A BOOK) Ah, in the name of the father and the son(HE MAKES THE SIGN OF THE CROSS and they all follow)

Stephen closes his eyes.

EXT. MODESTO – HIGH SCHOOL – MORNING – IT’S FOUR YEARS LATER. A new looking high school surrounded by new houses, vineyards, and tomato fields.

TITLE CARD: 1964

INT. HIGH SCHOOL – CLASS – SAME TIME

Stephen opens his eyes. He is 14 years old. Fourteen-year-old Stephen gazes out the open doorway of his English class.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Jonathan, a few years later, I'd experience the real reality of death. It would hit me like a ton of bricks.

MALE VOICE (V.O.)

(on the intercom) Stephen Campos report to the Dean's

Office. Stephen Campos report to the deans office.

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All the STUDENTS turn as one and look at Stephen. Stephen gets up and walks out the door and heads to the Deans office. He passes a girl and smiles and says hello. He looks back at her. Wow! (Renee his future wife)

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I thought, man, I must really be in trouble. What'd I do this time? Why is he asking me into his office. I’m in trouble now. This is weird.

MALE VOICE (V.O) Stephen Campos to the office.

Stephen walks faster and then opens the door to the office.

INT. ADMINISTRATION OFFICE – MOMENTS LATER Stephen approaches the counter. The SECRETARY points to an open door.

INT. DEAN'S OFFICE

Stephen takes a seat and sits across from the DEAN.

THE DEAN You have a phone call from your mother.

The Dean hands Stephen the telephone and leaves.

MARIAN CAMPOS (ON THE PHONE)

Stephen? You need to come home. Your grandfather died this morning. I'm coming to pick you up. Right now.

wait for me out front.

EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH – DAY – FOUR DAYS LATER An unassuming church in an unassuming neighborhood. FRIENDS, FAMILY, and COMMUNITY MEMBERS stream in.

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH – AFTERNOON THREE DAY LATER

Stephen walks down the aisle between his FATHER and MOTHER, tightly grasping their hands. His brother, Roger, follows behind. Then the rest of the AUNTS, UNCLES, and COUSINS. They all sit in the front pew.

Arranging themselves from oldest to youngest. Resting just in front of the altar is a large black casket. The lid is propped open.

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(con’t) Behind and above the altar hangs a life-sized wood sculpture of JESUS CHRIST hung on a huge wooden cross. His tormented face, swollen and beaten by the Roman soldiers, stares back at Stephen. The nails pinning his hands and feet to the cross are so real it makes you ache. Stephen glances up at Christ and then down to the profile of his deceased grandfather in the black casket.

FATHER KENNEDY begins the funeral mass.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I realized right then that there was no life in him. But, somehow I thought he might get up and tell us he was alive. During the mass everyone was crying except for me. I think I was paralyzed with fear. Is this what death looks like? I tried to view my grandfather’s body to see if this was for real. I was witnessing it for the very first time.

Yet, I couldn’t comprehend it. I looked up at the cross of Christ and then glanced down at my grandfather. What a way to die. Jesus didn’t deserve his punishment. Yet, his death somehow met new life when he rose from the dead. I wondered if my grandfather was with Jesus now in heaven.

The mass ends. Stephen's father rises and leads the procession past the casket in single file saying their

last good-bye. As Stephen passes by, he stops and looks back. The lifeless, waxen face is still there.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

As I walked past him I could see all the life was drained out of him. He looked so cold and dead. Death is so mysterious. Why is there so much pain for us who have to live this life? Why is death seem so contrary to life and why do we have to die anyway?

Stephen gazes up at Jesus then back to his grandfather.

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Stephen closes his eyes.

BACK TO REPORTER'S CUBICLE Jonathan switches the phone handset to the other side of his neck and rubs his stiff neck.

JONATHAN

That's pretty young to be dealing with death for the very first time, but I understand what you’re saying.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) I never wanted to go through that experience ever again. But, I did. Fighting in 'Nam, I saw so much death, I got numb to it. I tried not to let it affect me. I kept it in and that just made things worse. I found that out years later. It was on my way back home from Nam that it all hit me like a ton of bricks what I had just been through.

EXT./INT. AIRPLANE - DAY – APRIL 3RD. 1969 HEADING BACK

FROM THE WAR ZONE AFTER STEPHEN’S YEAR IN THE BUSH A commercial airline streaks through the skies. The sounds of the airliner fills the entire cabin. It's dotted with YOUNG MEN all dressed in their Army kaki uniforms. Everyone is sleeping. So is Stephen.

STEWARDESS (O.S.) Sir. Sir. (she pokes his shoulder)

Stephen's eyes snap open. Startled.

STEPHEN Huh, what? Where are we?

The STEWARDESS leans over Stephen.

STEWARDESS It's okay, young man. We're on our way to Guam. Then you're going home. I thought you might want a pillow. You looked pretty uncomfortable.

STEPHEN No, no thank you Ma'am. I'm fine.

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Stephen looks around him, as if trying to verify what she's just told him. He looks around him to make sure he isn’t dreaming. The plane is dead silent. Every man is lost in his own world. Most everyone is sleeping. A few are awake but no one is saying a word. It is dead silence. Stephen closes his eyes and falls asleep again.

EXT. VIETNAM – JUNGLE – DAY

The killing fields.

TITLE CARD Vietnam, 1968 Two M-16 rifles are jammed bayonet first into the dirt. On top of each rifle hangs a metal helmet and below each is a pair of combat boots. In a small clearing, a PLATOON waits in formation. Stephen stands beside his combat buddies.

There was DYCKES, YINGST, L.T. the platoon Lieutenant, BIG DOG the machine gunner, SLIM, GERMAN, KELLOGG, ALABAMA and the rest of the squad. All lined up in perfect rows. Steel pots on and M-16s at their sides. The COMPANY COMMANDER steps forward to address the troops.

COMPANY COMMANDER

Men, we have come here to honor our fallen comrades, David Rollins and Michael Young. This is a sad day for

all of us, for America, and for their families back home. There are no words to explain why they died, except that they were called by their country to defend this nation against communism.

The platoon listens carefully. Each man taking his own meaning from the words being spoken.

COMPANY COMMANDER They came from different parts of America. One was drafted, the other

joined. They answered the call of duty. They vowed to defend the Constitution, the United States of America, and the President of the

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(con’t) United States, so help them God. They were courageous soldiers, young and fearless. We are deeply saddened by their loss.

The Company Commander looks from soldier to soldier.

COMPANY COMMANDER They will always remain heroes in our eyes. They gave the ultimate sacrifice a person can bestow. In the Bible, it says,

"No Greater Love is this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." They are with their Creator now. Let us spend a few minutes in silence as we show them honor and respect and remember their short lives.

The Company Commander bows his head. Every man in the platoon follows suit. The COMPANY CHAPLAIN steps forward to stand beside the Company Commander. He opens his Bible.

COMPANY CHAPLAIN Let us pray.

(he reads) "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's

sake. Stephen looks around at his fellow soldiers then stares into the jungle.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Why God? Why did this have to happen? Why these two men, in this country so far from home, so soon in our tour? Why was I spared? (HE LOOKS OVER AT DYCKES AND TIGER) Is this just the beginning or will there be more?

Who will be next? My buddies? Myself? The reality of Nam became oh so real to me that day.

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FLASHBACK – JUNGLE – NIGHT The platoon is on night patrol. The dark is so dense, each man has to touch the pack of the man in front of him to keep from getting lost. The line snakes slowly through the night. A RED FLARE lights up the night and all Hell breaks loose. Tracer rounds spit from every side. The soldiers hit the deck or run for cover, returning fire.

A soldier (DAVID ROLLINS) takes a sniper bullet to the head. He's flung against a tree like a rag doll. Another soldier (MICHAEL YOUNG) takes a barrage of bullets. His body dances as he takes bullet after bullet into his side. Stephen stares wide-eyed, watching the two men die.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

It was my unit's first taste of death, Vietnam-style. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I never cried in Vietnam. I somehow shut off every emotion so I

wouldn't feel the pain. I didn't allow myself to grieve. I couldn't. If, I did, I knew I would lose it. I still wonder. Could it have been avoided? Am I partly to blame, because I didn’t say anything? I felt responsible and guilty somehow for not acting. I could have stopped this if only I had spoken up to stop.

BACK TO THE FUNERAL SERVICE The chaplain continues reciting the 23

rd Psalm.

COMPANY CHAPLAIN

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over."

LIEUTENANT FOSTER, a fresh-faced young man who looks like he just stepped off campus, stares at the two rifles.

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STEPHEN (V.O.) He had the toughest job. Lieutenant FOSTER was Rollins's platoon leader. He would have to call the parents from 'Nam and tell them their son had died in combat. I wouldn't want to be the one who had to tell someone's mother that her son had been killed in some jungle a million miles from home. It's odd how meeting death can change your life. The courage it would take to tell someone their son is dead amazes

me. I wouldn’t want to that person. Stephen looks up into the sky.

BACK TO SERVICE The Chaplain finishes the prayer.

COMPANY CHAPLAIN "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever." Amen.

Stephen looks at his two buddies, Dyckes and Yingst.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I kept thinking. Who'll be next? Maybe my buddies, Dyckes or Yingst.

Dyckes takes a photo of Young out of his pocket and shows it to Stephen and Yingst. DAMN it!

DYCKES (ANGRY)

Man, I just took his picture of Mike last week. (he turns away so we don’t notice the tears in his face)

Yingst face is like stone. He's got that thousand-yard stare in his eyes.

FLASHBACK – VIETNAM – THE DAY BEFORE

TITLE CARD April 19, 1968 – 6A.M.

A phalanx of Huey helicopter gunships flies out of the sun.

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INT. CHOPPER – SAME TIME Stephen, the platoon radio strapped to his back, sits near the open door. Five other SOLDIERS hunch nearby. L.T. stares out at the ground rushing below.

BRIGADE COMMANDER (OVER RADIO) Alpha One, this is Poppa One, over.

COMPANY COMMANDER (OVER RADIO) This is Alpha One, over.

BRIGADE COMMANDER (OVER RADIO)

Be advised you may be entering a Hot LZ, over.

STEPHEN

Be ready for a hot LZ, sir. Brigade is warning us.

L.T.

I heard him, CAMPOS.(snapping back)

L.T. (TO THE OTHERS)

Be ready for a hot LZ, men. Lock and load your weapons men. When we hit the ground, head for cover.

The eight choppers fly low over the jungle in attack "V" formation.

LANDING ZONE – MOMENTS LATER Stephen's chopper banks in a half-circle and heads toward a clearing.

CHOPPER Emotions wash across each face. Nervous, excited, scared.

PILOT (shouts OVER ROTORS)

You're on your own, men. You're going to have to jump. So get out fast.

LANDING ZONE The chopper hovers about six feet off the ground.

SHOTS ring out from the jungle. The copter's twin machine guns SPRAY BULLETS everywhere.

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MACHINE GUNNER (O.S.YELLING) Damn it! Man, get the heck off this chopper.

CHOPPER EACH SOLDIER SLIDES INTO POSITION TO JUMP. IT'S A LONG WAY DOWN. Men jump from both sides of the chopper. After L.T. then Stephen jumps.

LANDING ZONE

Stephen hits the ground hard and bounces backward onto the backpack carrying the radio. He tries to get up, but can't. He looks like a giant turtle rolled over on its shell, flailing left and right to get upright. The other men hit the ground. They tuck, roll, and scamper to their feet. German lands near Stephen. He grabs Stephen and pulls him to his feet. They both race for cover in the trees bordering the clearing. They all reach the tree line.

JUNGLE – LATER The platoon assembles by squad and moves out. L.T. leads. Stefan is right behind. At the end of the platoon, Yingst carries the second radio, in lock-step behind platoon SERGEANT JACKSON. Both radios CRACKLE with traffic. Stephen hears the SOUNDS OF FIGHTING.

The trees and branches around them are vaguely orange in color. The men gawk at the strange sight.

SERGEANT JACKSON It's Agent Orange. We're not supposed to be here. Don't touch anything.

STEPHEN (V.O.) (to himself)

Great. Now I'll die from some frickin’ weed killer.

The trees and bushes around them are completely dry. The land is barren, lifeless. It's an eerie, somber landscape.

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SERGEANT JACKSON Lieutenant, we're not supposed to be in this area.

L.T.

We're right where we should be, Sergeant. Keep the men moving forward.

Big Dog covers the rear with his machine gun.

BIG DOG

What the hell's he doin',? He's gonna kill us in this stuff. Stupid son of a GUN, he is gonna get us all snuffed.

Dyckes leads his squad through the wasteland.

DYCKES (ORDERING) Keep moving forward. Be alert and CUT THE CRAP, and Dang IT- be quiet!


Bravo One, this is Poppa One, over.

BRAVO COMPANY COMMANDER (OVER RADIO)

This is Bravo One, over.

BRIGADE COMMANDER (OVER RADIO) What's your position, over?

The company walks slowly and deliberately through the heavy, thick brush. Tree branches cut through their

jungle fatigues as they go. Everyone sweats. It's got to be a hundred and twenty degrees in the shade. Stephen scans the trees and bushes. The SILENCE is deafening.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Charlie was watching us alright You couldn’t see him but you feel his presence. It was like someone was watching you in the bushes. In Nam you developed this sixth sense.

It warned you of danger and spoke to your mind.

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Each man scans the countryside up and down while they proceed deeper and deeper through the thick jungle.

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) We need a medevac, over. One man's down with heat exhaustion.

The platoon stops and hunkers down, waiting for the medevac chopper.

BIG DOG Man, if this heat doesn't kill us,

the ants sure will. (HE TAKES THE LAST DRINK OF WATER OUT OF HIS CANTEEN)

It's like the ants heard him, because he jumped up, stripped off his gear, and started swatting at something.

YINGST I got you covered, big man.

Yingst knocks the ants off Big Dog and smashes them in the mud.

JUNGLE – LATER – 10A.M. The medevac chopper lifts off with the INJURED MAN. Later the platoon keeps moving until they enter a lagoon. It's filled with leaches and swarms with mosquitoes.

DYCKES (ORDERING HIS MWN)

YOU need some water, or the heat's going to do us all in.

They we were walking through a slimy lagoon filled with leeches and who else know what.

SLIM

Ain't nothin' here but this slimy sludge water, sarge.

Dyckes dips his canteen into the mucky water and fills it to the brim. He drops a couple dysentery tablets into his canteen and takes a drink.

DYCKES

Make sure you put your dysentery tablets in before you drink this swill. Supposed to kill the leaches and parasites.

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He takes a drink and then LAUGHS. He laughs again.

DYCKES You sure don't want to die from heat exhaustion.

He takes another drink and LAUGHS. The men follow his example trying not to look into the water. German and the rest of the squad scrambles out of the swamp. German starts rubbing his back and legs.

GERMAN

Man, I think I've got something on me. Doc, can you check me out?

DOC-IS WALKING BEHIND GERMAN

Oh, no, you've got leaches on you, man. Strip off your gear.

GERMAN (FRANTICALLY HE STRIPS OFF HIS GEAR)

Get them off, Doc, get them off!

Doc takes a cigarette and burns them off German's butt, thighs, and legs.

DOC You'll be okay, just stay calm.


We've engaged the enemy, over. GUNSHOTS ECHO over the radio.

L.T.

Let's go, men. Keep moving. We need to reach our CP- command post by sunset.

Each squad gets up and trudges through the jungle. Stephen monitors the radio traffic.

STEPHEN (V.O.) The tension was thick enough to taste. Intelligence told us the enemy was planning to overrun Saigon that day. We were here to make contact and stop him. We were all on

edge. I could hear through my radio sporadic gun fire and sounds of squad leaders yelling through radio codes.

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INT. 8 hours later. It is around 6P.M. The sun is starting to set.

German, back on Point, leads the platoon through some rough terrain. L.T. follows and Stefan is right behind him.

BRIGADE COMMANDER (OVER RADIO) Alpha One, this is Poppa One, over.

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) Roger, this is Alpha One, over. STEPHEN Be on the alert men. Intelligence reports movement in our area.

L.T. I’m giving the orders here Salas! Got it? Give me that damn horn.(he snatches it out of Campos’ ear)

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO)

Alpha Two, Bravo, Charlie Two, and Delta Two, be advised about possible enemy contact, over.

SQUAD COMMANDERS (OVER RADIO) Roger that.

L.T.(OVER THE RADIO) Roger that, over. (TURNS TO THE MEN) Be on the alert.

DYCKES (WHISPERS) Listen to the birds, men. When they stop chirping then Charlie is near.

The soldiers move through the jungle single file, squad to squad, platoon to platoon. Edgy and tense. It's getting late and dark fast. Stephen continues to scan the terrain as they move slowly forward.


Platoon leaders, take a head count. Make sure no one's missing, over.

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SQUAD COMMANDERS (OVER RADIO WHISPEING)

Roger that over, (EVRYONE SOUNDS OFF, ONE BY ONE) One, two, three, four… Alpha Two, all present and accounted for, sir. Bravo, all present. Delta Two, all present.

SERGEANT JACKSON (OVER RADIO) This is Charlie Two, over. Sir,

Forty-one. All accounted for, over. The darkness descends. Like someone switched off all the lights in the land.

L.T. Keep your hand on the man in front of you. Don't want to lose anyone.

Stephen reaches out and touches L.T.'s pack as they continue to walk. INT. 8A.M. Two hours later – same day

The men walk slowly, one man in front of the next, further and further into the night. The Third Platoon SQUAD LEADER suddenly stops.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER (whispers)

Halt men. I think I see something. Stephen squeezes the radio horn twice. Two SHORT CODES to warn Yingst at the end of the platoon. 9they have a

radio code of their own) Then complete SILENCE. The soldiers all crouch down and listen. It's too dark to see, so they have to let their ears be their eyes. Stephen kneels close to the ground. He listens intently. He hears nothing but the wind whistling in the trees. He looks up toward the horizon to see if he can catch a glimpse of a man, anything. There's nothing.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER-

(WHISPERS) I see something over there, Lieutenant Hall. It looks like a man standing, but I'm not sure.

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LIEUTENANT FOSTER (WHISPERS) Where is he? I can’t see a dang thing.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER (points)

Over there, by the trees. I think I see someone standing.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Is it our flank man?

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER

I'm not sure.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Did you take a head count, Sergeant?

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER Yes, sir. We're all accounted for, Lieutenant.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER

Who's on right flank?

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER I think it's Rollins, sir. CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER THE RADIO) We’re moving on. You can catch up with us later, over.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Roger, that, over.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER

Rollins, is that you? (A LOUD WHISPER) Everyone listens. Nothing but silence.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER (louder) Rollins, identify! Rollins is that you?

The SILENCE is making everyone tense. And now Charlie knows

are position too. The two platoons are now in a crouching

position listening intently for signs of Rollins or the

enemy.

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LIEUTENANT FOSTER I'm going to fire up a flare. Make sure you're all on the ground.

Lieutenant Foster shoots a flare into the night. The flare EXPLODES into a white light that illuminates the sky and ground. Stephen looks around. All he can see are trees and bushes. There's not a shadow of a man anywhere.

SOLDIER IN THE REAR (WHISPERS

LOUDLY) It might be Charlie.

The flare dies out and it gets dark again. In the night air, the SOUND CARRIES FOREVER. Stephen and L.T. stand about twenty feet away from the Third Platoon and Lieutenant Foster watching, listening and waiting.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER (whispers and points again)

Uh, sir, someone's standing over

there. By that tree. It looks like a man, but I can't tell. It's too dark.

(to the phantom) Rollins, is that you? Rollins!

Still nothing but the sound of wind blowing.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Fire a burst over his head, Sergeant. Make sure it's way over his head. Everyone hits the ground.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER Yes, sir.

The Third Platoon Squad Leader fires a burst from his M-16 into the air. The tracer rounds fly high into the night air. He stops firing waits and listens for a rely. NOTHING.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER Rollins! Is that you, man?

Not a word, but the whistling of the wind .

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Okay, enough of that. We got to catch up with the rest of the company. Let’s

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(con’t) move out. Let’s move. (He leads the other two platoons)

The company had continued forward while 2nd and 3

rd. platoons

had halted.

INT. Thirty minutes later.


Charlie Three, what's your status, over?

LIEUTENANT FOSTER (OVER RADIO)

One of the men thought he saw something, Cap. We fired in the air, over.

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) Did you take a head count, over?

LIEUTENANT HALL (OVER RADIO) Yes, sir. We're all accounted for, over. (he is lying)

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) Well, take another count, over. We need to get to our C.P. It's late and we're hungry. We're moving on, over.

Another quick head count.

CAPTAIN HENRY (MINUTES LATER OVER RADIO)

What's your answer, Charlie Three, over?

LIEUTENANT FOSTER (EMBARRASED)

Uh, we're one short, over.

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) Are you sure, over?

LIEUTENANT FOSTER (OVER RADIO) Yes, sir. We're short one, over. It may be Rollins, sir, our flank. He never came back in after it got dark, over.


Dang it man. Well, go back and find him. We're moving forward to our C.P. You and Charlie Two go back and

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(con’t) get your man, over. You'll have to catch up to us later, over.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER (OVER RADIO) Roger, over. (to the squad) Let's go, men. We're headed back to where the gunshots were fired.

The 2

nd and 3

rd Platoons turn around and retrace their

steps. It's dark and cold. The men are not happy. There is muffling and grumbling in the squads. Men are

angry they have to go back to search and be separated from the rest of the company.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Captain Henry was a Green Beret who had been in 'Nam for a year already. Everyone in the brigade liked and respected him. There were rumors he was going to be promoted to Major soon and then he would be leaving us. Everyone knew he wouldn't be with us

very long. We all respected his leadership and authority. He promised us back at Fort Lewis to take care of us, no matter what.

An hour later the two platoons reach the spot where the Squad Leader fired his M-16 into the air. The soldiers stop and kneel down, waiting and listening. The Squad Leader walks toward a large tree. His red flashlight plays over the ground. He stops.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER Go out and see what you can find Sergeant.

THIRD PLATOON SQUAD LEADER (WALKS OUT TO WHERE HE THINKS HE SAW THE MAN STANDING- HE SHINES HIS FLASHLIGHT OVER THE GROUND)

I found him, Lieutenant. It's Rollins. He's dead.

Lieutenant Hall walks to where the Squad Leader waits. L.T. and Stephen follow close behind.

Lieutenant Foster kneels down by the tree next to the body and points his flashlight at it. It's Rollins. He

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has a gunshot wound in his forehead. A swarm of red ants are already crawling over him.

STEPHEN(V.O.) Charlie got him while he was traveling out on our flank. He was the first soldier in our company to be killed in action in Vietnam. I knew Rollins. He was in my basic training unit at Fort Lewis, Washington.

The Squad Leader brushes off the ants and wraps the

body in a poncho liner. Two SOLDIERS grab the body and carry it back into formation. Another two men help carry the body. The twp platoons resume their hunt for the rest of the company. L.T. leads the way behind German, our Point Man. Stephen is right behind L.T. The rest of the platoon follows.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Now, each step was on edge. We could

be getting into an ambush. Our two platoons were all alone and it was so dark no one knew where we were going, not even L.T.

L.T. grabs the radio from Stephen's backpack.

L.T. (TREMBLING VOICE)

Ah, Alpha One, this is Tango One, over. Where are you, Cap? What's your location, over? Where are you,

over?

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) We're at our C.P, X-ray, Lima, coordinates 321 and 124, over.

L.T. (LOOKS AT HIS MAP WITH HIS FLASHLIGHT)

Roger. (HE CONTINUES TO HOLD THE RADIO AND DRAGS STEFAN ALONG WITH HIM)

L.T.

(whispers to German) Let's keep moving.

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The platoon continues slogging through the night. INT. Thirty minutes later

L.T. (OVER RADIO) Alpha One, this is Tango One, over. Where are you, over? (L.T. looks at his map.)

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) What's your position, over?

L.T. (OVER RADIO) We're at Lima 125 and Yankee 190, over.

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) Then you're only about a thousand meters away. Keep moving forward, Tango One, over.

LIEUTENANT FOSTER (OVER RADIO) Ah, Cap, we found our man, over. It was Rollins. He's dead. We're bringing his body with us, over.

L.T. continues to hold the radio dragging Stephen with him. INT. Another thirty minutes go by. Around 10A.M.

L.T. (OVER RADIO)

Alpha One, this is Tango One, over. Where are you, over?

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) This is Alpha One. You're not that

far away from us. Keep moving forward, over.

L.T. (OVER RADIO)

Where are you Cap? We can't find you. (edged with panic) Where are you, which direction are you?

CAPTAIN HENRY (OVER RADIO) I'm sending someone to get you. Just stay there and wait, over.

L.T. stops. Stephen almost walks over him. The rest of the men have been listening to L.T. Everyone stops.

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A MAN or someone walks over the dark horizon. He is noticeable to L.T. and Stephen. He walks slowly, straight toward L.T. and Stephen. L.T. releases his grip on the phone and lets it drop. Stephen places it back in the pack. Stefan kneels low to the ground to get a better look. There is some light reflecting off the trees.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I couldn't see who it was. But, it appeared to be someone wearing an Army

helmet, but I couldn’t tell. He was coming directly at me about twenty feet away walking straight for us.

L.T. sees him, too. Suddenly L.T. yells:

L.T. (FROZEN WITH FEAR) Halt! Who goes there? Halt!

STEPHEN (V.O.) While, I was training at Fort Lewis, we all pulled guard duty. It was imperative that we were highly trained against

intruders trying to enter our compound. And we heard rumors were Charlie had infiltrated and slit the throats of all the men. The normal procedure was to call out halt when someone approached within fifty feet. We were all trained well back at Fort Lewis.

The man keeps walking without saying anything.

L.T. (FRANTIC-SCARED) Halt! Who goes there?

The man stops walking and stoops down as if trying to see who is asking. Stephen can see the reflection of his steel pot against the horizon.

STEPHEN (V.O.) He looked like a G.I., but I couldn’t tell. Everything happened so fast and it was so dark. Why wasn't he answering back?

L.T. (SCARED) Dong Lai! Who goes there? Dong Lai! Who goes there? Halt!

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The man appears stunned and surprised to hear someone yell at him in Vietnamese. He's about fifteen feet out now. He squats down.

SOMEONE WHISPERS It could be Charlie. L.T. Dong Lai! Halt! (yells once again)

THE MAN COMING TOWARD US

(SCARED) Ah, ah, it's Charlie Coo…

SOMEONE YELLS Open fire!

All hell breaks loose. The night air is filled with the SPRAY OF BULLETS, MACHINE-GUN FIRE, and GRENADE EXPLOSIONS. The man takes incoming rounds and falls to the ground. Stephen is on the ground watching.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Everything happened so quickly. When all the firing started I crouched toward the ground to see if I could get a better view and then hit the ground when the firing started. I watched tracer after tracer hit the man in front of us. It was like a shooting gallery. I couldn’t do anything. I just lay there in shock watching all this

unfold before my very eyes. I didn’t fire my weapon. I just knew it was an American. I didn’t even think about Captain saying he was sending someone out to get us. It all happened so fast.

It was like a firing line. Everyone was firing his weapon. Everyone’s bullets were firing at the man on the ground and all around. Explosions were off in the distance of men firing M-79 grenade launchers. A few minutes later -

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VOICES (OVER RADIO) Stop your firing! Stop your firing! You're firing on your own company! Quit firing on us! (SCREAMING) STOP! STOP FIRING AT US! PLEASE STOP! (came the words out of the darkness with fear and trembling)

SERGEANT JACKSON (OVER RADIO) Men, stop your firing! Cease fire! STOP YOUR FIRING!

The SHOOTING gradually dies down. ONE LAST SHOT. And

all is QUIET. The night air is filled with gun smoke and the SCREAMS and MOANS of wounded American soldiers. Stephen still lies prone on the ground. His weapon SILENT. L.T. reaches out stumbling around Stephen's backpack and finds a flare. He POPS it in the air. POP! A bright RED flare turns the dark night BLOOD RED, casting a ghoulish, nether world glow over the landscape.

HELL! IT WAS LIKE I WAS IN HELL.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Man, I thought for sure this was hell. And I thought we'd killed everyone, until I heard men screaming and moaning.

L.T.(HURRIDLY)

Let's move forward, Campos.

STEPHEN (WHISPERS) Yes, sir.

L.T. and Stephen move forward to examine the BODY lying in front of them. Stephen leans down to look as L.T. shines his infrared flashlight on the victim's face.

STEPHEN(V.O.) It was Michael Young. He carried the radio for Captain Henry. His face was contorted into a question mark of shock

and pain.

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L.T. (YELLING) Medic! I need a medic here right now! Medic!

Young lies there, barely breathing. Life slowly oozes out of him. A MEDIC scurries up. While L.T. keeps the light shining, the Medic checks Young over quickly, assessing the situation. The Medic looks up at Stephen. It's not good.

MEDIC Hang in there, soldier. We'll make you better real quick. Okay? trying to console him)

Young IS BARELY BREATHING. He looks up with pain and question mark on his face. The Medic gives Young one shot of morphine and then another.

STEHEN (V.O.) Captain Henry had sent Young out to

guide us in because we were lost, just like he said he would. Young never knew what hit him. Everything happened so fast. Young was the company joker. Everyone liked him. To see him lying there in his last moments made me feel sick. I knew he was a breath away from death.

The MOANS and SCREAMS grow louder and louder as men realize how bad they've been hit.

SOLDIER (OVER RADIO) Captain's been hit! Captain's been hit!

L.T. Let’s go Campos. Got to find C.P.

STEPHEN (L.T. AND STEPHEN TRY TO MAKE FAST TRACKS TO FIND CAPTAIN HENRY)

Yes, sir. L.T.

Can you see anything?

STEPHEN

No, sir. No sir, it’s too dark.

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L.T. (SEARCHING WITH HIS FLASHLIGHT)

It's got to be close. L.T. and Stephen move quickly forward to find the command post. The smoke is too thick to see, but they continue moving, following the SOUNDS OF MEN GROANING. They reach a handful of SOLDIERS clustered around a fallen body.

As L.T. and Stephen approach, the men part to reveal CAPTAIN HENRY. He lies there twitching in pain. He has multiple bullet wounds to both legs. Blood is covering his two legs and is everywhere. L.T. grabs another flare from Stephen's backpack and POPS it into the thick dark night air. It’s white this time.

L.T.

Medic! Damn it! Medic! The Medic leaves Young and hustles up to Captain Henry. He assesses the situation.

MEDIC (UNDER HIS BREATH) Damn. My God! Oh my God, no.

The Medic shoves people away and gets into his pack to find two shots of morphine.

MEDIC

Give him some room. Captain, I'm going to give you something to ease the pain. (HE POUNDS A SHOPT OF MORPHINE INTO CAPTAINS NECK AND THEN ANOTHER) You’re going to be okay, sir.

Stephen helps another SOLDIER lift the Captain onto a poncho liner made into a stretcher. The Captain GRINCHES in pain.

CAPTAIN HENRY

Do your job, MEN.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

The Army always told us never to give a wounded man more than one shot of

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(con’t) morphine. But, this was different. The Captain was in extreme pain.

There are two other soldiers that had been hit near the Captain.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Bradbury and Chu Rung, our North Vietnamese scout. Chu Rung had defected from North Vietnam and joined the South Vietnamese Army.

Bradbury was another radio operator. Dyckes and Big Dog suddenly materialize out of the night and gun smoke. They stand behind L.T. and Stephen.

DYCKES The command post must have been directly in line with one of our machine guns. Captain Henry got the worst of it. This is crap, man.

BIG DOG

Dang, I think I shot his legs off.

DYCKES (SUDDENLY ANGRY) Big Dog, you did as you were ordered, man. We all did.

CAPTAIN HENRY (WHISPERS IN PAIN) You did what you were supposed to do. What we trained you to do. Lieutenant, call in a medevac right away. Tell them we were caught in an enemy ambush.

L.T. (HURRIDLY) Yes, sir. Campos, give me the horn.

Stephen frantically grabs the handset out of his backpack and hands it to L.T.

L.T. (OVER RADIO)

Poppa One, this is Charlie Tango One, over. (PAUSE) This is Charlie Company's 2nd Platoon leader, over. We need a

medevac pronto, over. Alpha One's been hit. I repeat, Alpha One's been hit,

over. We have two killed and three wounded, over. Send us a DAMN medevac RIGHT NOW, over.

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HEADQUARTERS (OVER RADIO) This is Poppa One, over. Where's he been hit?

L.T. (OVER RADIO) Both legs. Get that chopper out right now, over.

HEADQUARTERS (OVER RADIO) How bad is it?

L.T. (OVER RADIO)

It's bad. He's got bullet holes in both legs, over. We need that chopper, NOW, over. Get us that damn chopper.

HEADQUARTERS (OVER RADIO) Roger, it's on the way. Stay cool. It will be there soon, over.

L.T. returns the phone to Campos. They try to comfort Captain Henry while they wait.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

We were all in shock. I was sad for Young, Rollins, and Captain Henry. The whole mess should never have happened. There was nothing anyone could do about it now. The damage was done.

A chopper approaches. Stephen holds up a strobe light and POPS a smoke grenade to guide the chopper in. The chopper lands, blowing dust and smoke and equipment everywhere. Stephen, Dyckes, Alabama, and Oklahoma lift Captain

Henry gently into the chopper. They also place Bradbury, Chu Rung, and Young inside. They put Rollins's dead body in last. The medics lash them in, signal the pilot, and the chopper ascends into the night.

HEADQUARTERS (OVER RADIO) Charlie Tango One, this is Poppa One, over.

Stephen hands the phone to L.T.

L.T. (OVER RADIO)

This is Charlie Tango One, over.

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HEADQUARTERS (OVER RADIO) What's the status of Alpha One, over?

L.T. (OVER RADIO) He's on his way, over.


Lieutenant, listen to this, over. Tell your men not to shoot. Lay your weapons down and take your bullets out. I’m sending Alpha Company to your location. I

repeat, lay your weapons down. Do you copy, over?

L.T. (OVER RADIO) Ah, yes sir, over.

STEPHEN (V.O) Brigade heard everything that had happened to us. They had been monitoring every word over the radio.


Wait for Alpha Company to reach you, over.

L.T. (OCER RADIO) Roger, will comply, over.

L.T. drops the phone and gazes out at the men in his charge.

L.T.

Put your weapons down, men. That's an order. We have to wait here for Alpha Company.

Stephen walks over and stands next to Sergeant Jackson. The entire company is in shock. They huddle together in small groups, not saying a word. Each man feeling guilty for what took place. Stephen tries to close his eyes and tries to rest, but can't. Stephen gets up and wanders among the platoon until he spots Hooch. He crosses over and hunkers down near his

buddy.

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DYCKES (SOLUME) Cat, I can't believe it, man. What happened was totally crazy. I just kept firing my rifle. At our own company. So'd my machine gunner. We all did.

STEPHEN

Dyckes, come with me. I got something to tell you and Yingst.

They both stand and move through the platoon. They

finally see Yingst, lying on his back, resting. They stand over him.

STEPHEN Yingst, you asleep?

Stephen gently nudges his buddy's feet with his boot.

YINGST (HS HEAD IS DOWN BETWEEN HIS LEGS)

No, how could I? I fired my M-16 at my own company. Man, I could have killed someone.

STEPHEN

Hey, did you see those green tracer rounds firing back at us when the shit hit the fan?

DYCKES

Yah, I saw 'em. They were coming at us from the other side of the gully.

YINGST I’ll bet that was Charlie. He saw and heard the whole thing, man. He’s been following us since we landed. Maybe he was planning to ambush our company. He watched this whole situation. We may have spoiled his plans to ambush us.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

That could be true, we'd never know for sure. What I did know was that the fear of death had hit me hard,

shattering me like a rock through a pane of glass. My mind was racing out of control. I kept thinking and replaying the accident over and over

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(con’t) again in my mind. I couldn’t shut off my mind front thinking about the damage we could have caused. I started to get real scared for my life. I was even more afraid for my buddies. But, then there was Dyckes. He always had a way of minimizing death.

FLASHBACK – PATROL - SUNSET

Dyckes stands in front of his patrol. Several men are in front of him leading the way outside the perimeter. He turns on his way out.

DYCKES Cat, I'll be back, one way or another. HA,HA!

He LAUGHS and turns to his men. Lock and load, men. Lock and load.

He continues laughing as he leads his men out into ambush patrol.

BACK TO JUNGLE Stephen, Yingst, and Dyckes stand together, each lost in his own thoughts. A modern-day Three Musketeers.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Yingst was a person I could trust to do exactly what he said. Every time we'd patrol the jungles and rice patties, he'd tell me, "Cat, I got your back covered." I always took him at his

word. There aren't many people in the world you can trust with your life like him. He words gave me strength to know that whatever happened to me he would be beside me every step of the way. Not even like my wife back home who would flirt with other men.

FADE-OUT- Modesto, California Drinking party at Stephen and Renee’s apartment. Renee is listening, drink and dancing sexy with another man. She rubs up close to him making Stephen jealous.

FADE –IN- Vietnam Stephen stares at Yingst and Dyckes.

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STEPHEN (EMOTIONAL AND IN SHOCK) You guys mean everything to me. I trust you with my life. I love you more than brothers. If anything ever happened to either one of you, I wouldn't want to live without you guys. (he puts his head down)

YINGST

Me too, Cat. We are a band of brothers, united by cause and love for each other.

DYCKES

I would die for either of you. The three men stand there under the smoky moonlight in silence. They stretch out their hands to the center, forming a circle. A few minutes later Yingst speaks up.

YINGST Put it there brothers. Let’s make this pledge to keep each other alive. “Unto Death’ men!

STEPHEN (PUTS HIS HAND FORWARD)

“Unto death” brothers

YINGST So, we can make it out alive outta this hell hole, Cat and Dyckes. I swear to God.

DYCKES

NO matter what happens, bro. I will protect you both. You got my

word on it! Stephen, Yingst, and Dyckes stand together with hands placed one on top of the other.

STEPHEN (LOOKS UP INTO THE STARS)

Let God be our witness.

YINGST And when we get back to the States, we got to reunite.

DYCKES Agreed. STEPHEN Agreed!

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Under the moonlight and stars the three men bow their heads, sanctifying a Covenant forged in the fire of battle.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

At that moment, we became bound together in a Covenant that we weren't even sure we could keep. It was our solemn oath, witnessed by God and the heavens and each

other. This was our vow, our sacred Covenant, made in the jungles of Vietnam.

INT. AIRPLANE – 1969- NIGHT – HEADING BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.

Stephen is sitting in the airplane asleep-dreaming.

DREAM

Stephen is standing over Michael Rollins who is lying on the ground dying, dying.

MICHAEL (SATAN- HISSES) It's your fault, man. You should have said something. You killed me. And you know what that means. You’re going to rot in hell!(he HISSES) COWARD! You're yellow!

Stephen’s eyes snap open. He’s back on the airplane. Now they're filled with panic and guilt.

STEPHEN

(Sweating) NO, NO! … The SOLDIER in the seat next to him touches his shoulder.

SOLDIER Hey, man, wake up! STEPHEN (FRANTICALLY) Awakes.

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SOLDIER Hey, man. Hey, wake up! Sorry, but, you were saying some crazy shit.

STEPHEN Wha, Wha, what'd you say?

SOLDIER You said it was your fault? Man, you're keeping me awake. Spill it out, so I can get some sleep.

STEPHEN

I blame myself. None of this would have ever happened, if I had said something. A man wouldn’t have been dead and our company commander wounded. I was at fault.(emotional)

SOLDIER Hey, man, we were all just doing our job. Shit happens. You ain't God. Only God controls that. Stop

blaming yourself and get some rest. It’s over and we’re on our way home. Don’t ruin it for me. (he closes his eyes and tries to sleep)

STEPHEN I guess you're right. You have someone waiting for you at home?

SOLDIER My girlfriend sent me a "Dear

John" letter a month after I got to 'Nam. I was so pissed, I got drunk every night for a month. Still don’t give a darn, probably never will. When I get back home I’m a gonna make a trip to see that girl.

STEPHEN Man, that's bull-crap! Man if my wife ever did that I don’t know what I’d feel especially all the hell I’ve been through.

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SOLDIER I can’t stop thinking about how that affected me. Almost killed myself until I realized I needed to stay alive one more day to come home and confront her. STEPHEN

I hear the Army band's going to meet us at the airport. There should be lots of people there to greet us too. Anyone know about our coming home?

SOLDIER The Army told us not to tell anyone. I heard there may be war protesters. What do you think?

STEPHEN Man, if I even see a war protester, I'll kill the son of a gun with my bare hands. I swear. STEWARDESS Would either of you like something to

drink?

SOLDIER Sure, Ma'am, give me a Vodka straight up and a Coors!

STEWARDESS Uh, I wish I could but –

SOLDIER

Was just kidding, Ma'am.

STEPHEN No thank you, I’m trying to get some rest. I haven’t slept in twelve months. (he looks out the window )

The airplane continues on its way. Stephen looks out the

window.

EXT. VIETNAM - DAY

TITLE CARD:

June 1968

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The company is on a search-and-destroy mission. They walk through rice paddies. CAPTAIN MILLER and his RADIO MAN follow the POINT MAN.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Captain Miller replaced Captain Henry. He vowed to help us stay alive and return home. We all believed his, so we gave him our trust and respect. He was only about 29 years old, but he became one of the best leaders I had in Vietnam.

The sky grows darker and darker. It starts to pour buckets. It’s Monsoon season – early June The soldiers race for the jungle. Once under the canopy of trees, they search frantically for a dry place. It rains so hard so fast that the water reaches Stefan's ankles and keeps climbing.

CAPTAIN MILLER This is Alpha One, over. Get your radio operators to high ground, over. Keep your radio batteries dry, over.

PLATOON LIEUTENANTS (OVER RADIO) Roger.

Captain Miller's RADIO MAN climbs a tree branch a few feet off the ground.

STEPHEN

Bad choice, man, bad choice.

YINGST Points- That's were all the beasties live.

A blood-curdling SCREAM.

CAPTAIN'S RADIO MAN Son-of-ah, I got bit! Damn it! Something bit me! I got bit!

The Radio Man straddles the branch and starts

stripping off his gear and flinging it in the mud. He stops suddenly then topples off the branch onto the soggy ground.

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Captain Miller runs to his Radio Man. He rolls him over.

CAPTAIN MILLER He's not breathing.

A BROWN SCORPION scuttles out of the Radio Man's collar. The Captain smashes it into the mud with his boot heel.

CAPTAIN MILLER Medic! Medic, he's been bitten by

a scorpion! The water is almost up to Stephen's knees. He looks around to see if there are any scorpions floating on the water. The Medic rolls the Radio Man over on his back.

CAPTAIN MILLER How's he doing, Doc?

DOC Captain, he's not breathing.

CAPTAIN MILLER Don't let him die, man. Give him mouth to mouth. I'm calling in the medevac.

RADIO MAN (WHISPERS) Am I going to die?

DOC Not on my watch, son.

CAPTAIN MILLER

Mine, either.

The Radio Man's throat swells and he struggles to breath.

The Medic leans close to see if he's breathing. He's not.

He checks the man's pulse. Then starts pounding the wounded

man's chest. Then he starts mouth-to-mouth again.

The medevac chopper drops into a bare spot. Several

SOLDIERS load the Radio Man on a stretcher and rush him to

the chopper. They load him and the chopper takes off.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Thank God for the Army medevac pilots. That was one of the worst nights I spent in 'Nam. It had

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(con’t) rained all night and the ground was a stream. And that stream was filled with snakes, scorpions, and who knows what else. I thought we'd all drown before the night was over.

CAPTAIN MILLER Lieutenants and Radio operators- TO's, find some dry ground and keep your radios dry, over. We’re

going to camp right out.

YINGST Cat, Captain wants us to find high ground.

Tiger starts piling empty C-ration containers as high as he can. Stefan follows suit.

We'll sit back 'til this rain stops.

STEPHEN

Man, all I can think about are scorpions floating in the water.

YINGST Don't worry, Cat, I'll protect your back and you protect mine.

CAPTAIN MILLER We're going to camp here for the night, men. Try to find some dry ground.

STEPHEN Yingst, you going to sleep? While I keep

watch for these scorpions?(he elbows him)

YINGST It'll be okay, Cat. I'm going to sleep with one eye open.

STEPHEN Right! I do it all the time, man.

YINGST I’ve seen Willie do it when we

were on ambush patrol.

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STEPHEN You crazy, or what? How can you sleep with one eye open?

YINGST It's easy, you just have to practice.

STEPHEN

SURE! Whatever you say! Stephen sits awake all night. Every few seconds he

checks around him and above him. He keeps brushing off his gear about every fifteen minutes.

STEPHEN (SAYS TO HIMSELF) Man, I can’t sleep.(HE KEEPS LOOKING AROUND THE WET GROUND TO WATCH OUT FOR SCORPIONS)

BACK TO REPORTER'S CUBICLE Jonathan stands and moves his neck around, trying to get the blood moving again.

JONATHAN (ON THE PHONE) Seems your experience with officers was good and bad.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) Most of my platoon leaders were good men. We had to trust them to get us out alive. They were our key to life or death. But, some of them had just come out of OCS training back in the states. And we needed to teach them our way out in the bush.

EXT. DELTA RICE PATTIES – NEXT DAY The platoon is on patrol. Stephen follows behind LIEUTENANT BINKS. Binks is all spit and polish. He wears his fatigues starched and pressed.

The platoon has been walking all day long through the rice patties, knee deep with mud and water. They're beat down.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Lieutenant Binks was fresh out of Officer Candidate School. He had

never seen combat. He was a by-the-book kind of guy. He seemed

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(con’t) like a real momma's boy. The guy just didn't want to get dirty. That was our first impression and it wasn’t good enough for him to earn our respect.

EXT. BASE CAMP – LATER-THE PLATOON MEN ARE WALKING THROUGH MUD UP TO THEIR KNEES HEADING BACK NTO BASE CAMP. Everyman is tired and caked everywhere with mud. They can't wait to take off their jungle fatigues.

LIEUTENANT BINKS

Campos, tell the men to shine their boots. And, I need some starched fatigues. I have an officer's meeting. I'll return in two hours.

STEPHEN (TO HIMSELF)

Man, this is too much. Shine our boots? This is bullshit.

Everyone is caked in dry mud up to their waist.

Stephen takes off his wet gear and throws it on the ground. The Lieutenant just looks at him. Then he slowly takes off his boots and hands them to Salas. He puts on a pair of flip flops.

STEPHEN (ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT) Ah, sure thing, Lieutenant. Don't worry, sir. By the time you get back, everything will be taken care of. Yes, sir. I will make sure everyone has

their boots shined! Spit shined!

LIEUTENANT BINKS Thanks Campos.

The Lieutenant turns and heads out for command post. Once he's out of sight, Stephen motions to Tiger and Hooch.

STEPHEN Hey, Dyckes, Hey, Yingst, it’s time to take control.

YINGST And, we're just the right men for the job.

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Stephen hands Yingst the Lieutenant's boots. DYCKES

I’m gunna find his clean fatigues and give em out to the guys. Dyckes heads out in the other direction to find Lieutenants clean fatigues that just came in from supply. Yingst walks over to OKLAHOMA, a big old country boy, who is cleaning his M-16 rifle. Slim sits next to him

scratching the mud off his boots with his bayonet.

YINGST Hey, Oklahoma, you got any shoe shine polish?

Yingst holds out the mud-caked boots.

OKLAHOMA

Sure thing, bro. Oklahoma spits a big old wad of chewing tobacco onto the Lieutenant's boots.

OKLAHOMA

How dat, man? YINGST

Yeah, that'll work. Slim gets up and walks beyond a small bunker. He reaches down with his knife and comes back hoisting a hunk of fresh BUFFALO DUNG. He places it in a C-ration can and hands it to Tiger.

SLIM Fresh from the source, old buddy. Slide it into the toe of that boot there.

YINGST Cat, you and Slim gather all the rocks and cans you can find and bring them to me.

GIGGLING like school-yard pranksters, Stephen and slim scatter to get their jobs done before the Lieutenant gets back.

STEPHEN

Man, this'll fix him. He's going to learn how we run this platoon.

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SLIM

We'd the pros out shere. Yingst grabs the Lieutenant's air mattress and punctures a small hole in the nipple with his bowie knife. Dyckes comes back with the Lieutenant's fresh fatigues and rips off his Lieutenant bars and name tag and hands them to Big Dog.

DYCKES This'll fix ol' spit and polish, ramrod straight. Ha!

STEPHEN

This is just what he needs, bro. He needs to remember we're the vets out here, not him.

DYCKES

Man, if Binks finds out about this, we're all dead meat.

Stephen and Slim stuff all the rocks and cans under the Lieutenant's mattress.

YINGST When this OCS bird wakes up tomorrow morning and pulls on his (con’t) boots and his air mattress is flatter'n a pancake, he's going to have one massive coronary.

STEPHEN That'll fix him.

BASE CAMP – LATER THAT NIGHT The Lieutenant returns after dark. He starts rummaging around for his clean fatigues.

LIEUTENANT BINKS

Campos, where are my fatigues?

STEPHEN Sorry, sir, they said no fresh fatigues

today. Looks like maybe next week. Supply won't be bringin' them out for another week. Sorry, sir.

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Stephen can barely suppress a CHUCKLE. The Lieutenant looks from man to man, noticing their clean fatigues.

LIEUTENANT BINKS

Looks like you all have clean fatigues, Campos.

STEPHEN No, sir, we all washed ours while you were gone.

LIEUTENANT BINKS

Okay, Campos, I'm going to call supply tomorrow and find out what's going on.

BASE CAMP – NEXT MORNING The Lieutenant wakes up. He rolls over to pull on his boots. Something's not right. He looks around, then down. His air mattress is flatter than a pancake.

He leaps to his bare feet.

LIEUTENANT BINKS Campos! Yingst! Front and center, soldiers! What the heck, you two?

Stephen and Yingst jump up and hustle to stand in front of the Lieutenant. They're trying real hard not to LAUGH.

LIEUTENANT BINKS You think this is funny? Well,

here's something you're going to split a gut over. Ambush patrol. You two. Two weeks starting tonight. You hear me?

Stephen and Yingst are stunned, but it's still pretty hilarious. They look at each other. By now, the rest of the unit has gathered to watch.

STEPHEN (GIGGLING) But, sir. Sir, it was my fault.

YINGST (GIGGLING) My fault, too, sir. Takes two to tango, I guess, sir.

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STEPHEN (SUDDENLY SERIOUS) But, sir, you see, me and Tiger just needed to initiate you into the platoon. It's our way of saying you're one of us now.

YINGST (ALSO SERIOUS)

That's right, sir. Now you're a full-fledged member of us now. Sir!

LIEUTENANT BINKS

Doesn't change anything, pricks.

Still on patrol. Tonight. Got it!

STEPHEN But, It was just a joke, SIR! YINGST Yah, it was just a joke. (HOLDING THE LAUGHTER BACK)

The Lieutenant turns and hobbles off barefoot toward the latrine. Stephen and Yingst start pounding each other on the

back and LAUGHING to beat the band. The rest of the unit joins in.

FADE IN- BACK TO CUBICLE Jonathan sips coffee from a Styrofoam cup. He picks at a half-eaten sandwich.

JONATHAN

Sounds like you guys were able to squeeze in a little fun too.

STEEPHEN (ON PHONE) We all had to rely on each other because our lives depended on it. We also need to have some fun. It gave us hope and the courage to fight another day.

EXT. BASE CAMP – DAY Stephen, Yingst, and Dyckes play their own version of chicken.

STEPHEN (V.O.) We did have some fun in 'Nam, though.

Stephen stands with his legs spread shoulder width, facing Dyckes.

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Yingst watches, cleaning his rifle. Dyckes throws his bayonet at Stephen's left foot. Not even close.

STEPHEN Is that the best you can do?

Stephen tosses his bayonet at Dyckes right foot. It sticks about two inches from his foot.

STEPHEN

Hey, how about that one?

DYCKES Come on. Is that as close as you can get? That wouldn't hurt nothin'. I got jungle rot gives me more pain than that. (laughs)

Dyckes takes off his bandana and blindfolds his eyes.

DYCKES Don't worry, Cat, I won't hurt ya.

Dyckes flings his knife at Stephen's foot. It sticks about one inch from his boot.

STEPHEN Nice throw.

Yingst gets up and saunters over to stand next to Dyckes. He pulls out a huge, shiny Bowie knife from his jungle fatigues.

YINGST This was my grand pappy's knife in World War II. It's been in war for

three generations. He hurtles it at Stephen's left boot. Instinctively, Stephen moves his boot a foot to the left. The knife stabs the earth exactly where his boot would have been.

DYCKES Man, that was dang close. I hit this guy's boot in Fort Lewis once and my bayonet went right though his foot. He needed eighteen stitches. That was the

last time I played chicken. Until now.

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STEPHEN Thanks for telling me, buddy.

The three buddies start LAUGHING.

STEPHEN (V.O.) My combat brothers were my best friends. We ate, drank, and slept beside each other. We hiked together in mud and thick grass filled with leaches. We trudged through swamps filled with dysentery and snakes. We

slept in rain drenched to the bone. And we walked and walked and walked. Always looking for Charlie. But, when it came to protecting each other, we would have died for the other guy. We fought for each other, our families and homes, our wives, and the good old US of A. We also had to watch out for our own military.

Int. Back to the interview JONATHAN(ON THE PHONE)

When was the last time you three were together?

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) I will never forget. It was just before the Army split up our company. Just a day after the Cobra incident. Captain Edwards gave us a 24-hour pass and the three of us hitched a ride into Saigon. If you call it hitching.

EXT. HIGHWAY TO SAIGON - DAY

Yingst, Stephen and Dyckes stand about twenty feet off the highway. A G.I. stands on the edge of the highway, thumb out, trying to hitch a ride. A few BICYCLE RIDERS pass the G.I. A car approaches, slows, pulls off, and stops. The G.I. hops in and the car takes off.

YINGST

Hey, guys, we got 24 hours. Let's flag a ride into Saigon and have us some fun.

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STEPHEN Works for me. How 'bout you, Dyckes?

DYCKES

I'm in. I am completely in. Yingst sticks out his hand to thumb a ride. Car after car passes without stopping.

DYCKES Let me show you amateurs how this

is done. Dyckes points his M-16 skyward and fires off a couple of rounds. A small bus rolls up the highway toward them. He levels his gun at the bus.

DYCKES Halt you dink!

The bus slams on the brakes and fishtails to a stop.

To Saigon, butt hole! The three soldiers clamber aboard.

EXT. SAIGON – DAY The bus pulls away. Yingst, Stephen and Dyckes stand on the curb. They stare at the sights around them. Saigon is an upscale, urban city. It looks like any

other metropolitan city. Except for all the military vehicles and SOLDIERS. The streets swarm with motorcycles, bicycles, and military trucks. Business is booming. The streets are crowded. PEOPLE are everywhere selling everything.

YINGST Let's get a drink men. (he stops and listens)Hear that?

The SOUNDS of a Rock 'n Roll song like "Susie Q" roll through the air.

Sounds like home.(he dances)

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DYCKES

A Tiger brew and some Vietnam snatch sounds good to me.

STEPHEN

Let's roll.

EXT./INT. SAIGON - B-GIRL BAR – DAY The three men enter a crowded bar. MUSIC BLASTS. VIETNAMESE BAR-GIRLS dance and drink with other

SOLDIERS. Everyone is having some serious fun. G.Is sit at the bar. Others dance. Others stare off into the distance. The three friends take a seat at the bar. Before they can settle in, THREE YOUNG GIRLS are on them like flies on shit.

B-GIRL WITH ROSE (TO DYCKES) Hey, G.I., you wanna buy pretty girl a drink? You number one G.I. You wanna

dance? Do the twist?

DYCKES Abso-lutely, . Just call me Chubby Checker sweetie.

Dyckes slides off his stool and slithers up close to the B-Girl. They twist away.

B-GIRL WITH RED LIPS (TO TIGER) How 'bout you big soldier man? Buy me chi-chi drink?

YINGST

How much?

B-GIRL WITH RED LIPS Five dolla.

YINGST

Bull! No thank you, honey. Just got enough for me and my two buds.

B-GIRL WITH RED LIPS

G.I. You number ten. You no cheap

GI! YINGST

Piss off, slant eyes. Get away and leave me alone then.

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B-GIRL WITH NECKLACE

(to Stephen) Hey, G.I. You want boom-boom? Cost you twenty U.S. You wanna buy me drink?

STEPHEN

How 'bout free boom-boom, Pineapple? This soldier-boy got no greenbacks.


I make G.I. feel like big man. Give

you good time!

STEPHEN Good time, yes, but no denaro. GI only have money to buy beer. You buy GI drink?


You little man G.I. Number twenty thousand. (she turns and finds another GI who may be interested)

YINGST

We just want to be left alone to drink our beers and listen to the music. De de Mow GIRL!(turns to the girls)

Dyckes saunters back to the bar and plops down next to his buds.

DYCKES To hell with these dinks. (toasts his beer) Here's to the world, Comanche Commandos!

YINGST

To the world, Porthos and you Aramis!

STEPHEN

To the world, D- Artagnan!! The three men CLINK their bottles and chug-a-lug their beers. INT. BACK TO THE INTERVIEW

JONATHAN (on the phone) It sounds like you men had some challenges you had to endure and overcome and I can

see now how it was hard to trust anyone. When did your Brigade separate your company?

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STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) Jonathan, that was the worst day of my life.

EXT. SOMEWHERE NEAR SAIGON – BUDDHIST TEMPLE – JUNE - DAY

The company assembles in around the Buddhist Temple. Everyone looks tired and edgy. Each taking off their gear. Some men clean their weapon, some are writing letters while others and grabbing a can of food and heating it up. Other men are just trying to get some

rest and taking their socks off to dry off the jungle rot on their feet.

STEPHEN (V.O.) The next day, headquarters decided to split up our units. They integrated men from different combat companies throughout the division so each unit had soldiers who were skilled and experienced in combat. I think headquarters was still pissed that we'd shot Captain Edwards.

Lieutenant Binks walks back and forth in front of the

men of his platoon.

LIEUTENANT BINKS Men, some of you are being transferred out of this company into another company. I do not have any explanation why. You have two choices. If you're chosen, but don't want to transfer, you can stay in this platoon. If you extend your stay in country another thirty days.

STEPHEN (WHISPERS)

Another thirty days and I could be dead. No way in hell I'm staying one more day in 'Nam.

SLIM I ain't stayin' here one minute more'n I have to. No one's goin' to make me stay. I'm walkin' out. Ain't no one carryin' me out.

Yingst and Dyckes stand at attention on the other side of

Stephen.

Lieutenant Binks reads from a list of names.

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LIEUTENANT BINKS Cooper,Johnston,Sandburg,Washington,DeSantos,Williams,Campos and Youngblood, Yingst, all pack your bags. The rest of you are dismissed.

The soldiers slowly disperse. All except Stephen, Yingst and Dyckes.

YINGST

Man, the Army can't break us up. I'm not going anywhere. I'm extending.

STEPHEN Are you kidding? (caught off guard)

Yingst turns and walks away and then looks back at Stephen waiting for his answer.

STEPHEN (TURNS TO L.T.) You didn't say my name, did you Lieutenant?

There is no expression or emotion on the Lieutenant's face.

STEPHEN But, sir, I'm your radio operator.

LIEUTENANT BINKS If you want to stay in this unit, Campos, you have to extend for another 30 days. Let me know what you want to do. You got 5 minutes to decide. Orders are orders Campos.

With that, the Lieutenant turns on his heel and

leaves.

STEPHEN (ANGRY) I can't believe it, Dyckes. How could they transfer me out? I was that son-of-a-bitch's radio man. I saved his ass in the Delta! How can I leave you and Yingst? What about our Covenant?

DYCKES Hey, Cat, you got to do what you got to do. We're still Comanche Commandos, bro. No one can take that away. We're brothers

forever. We'll see each other back in the real world, I hope.

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STEPHEN What about Yingst, man? He helped me get through all the bad stuff. What should I do? You think I should stay? I have a wife and family at home waiting for me. I also have another year left to serve when I get back home.

DYCKES It's up to you, Cat. You'd have to stay another 40 days in this hell hole. If it were me, I wouldn't STAY. Cat! Remember

we’re brothers and nothing can take that away from us. NOTHING! We’re Comanche Commandos, don’t forget that, Cat.

STEPHEN (TROUBLED) Man, I feel really bad if I have to leave you and Yingst.

Dyckes walks away and attends to his squad team. Stephen stands alone thinking about his decision. It’s a lose-lose situation. He is troubled and doesn’t want to make a decision. He hopes they will forget about him transferring to another unit.

Several minutes go by.

LIEUTENANT BINKS What’s your decision Campos. Are you extending your stay or leaving? STEPHEN(V.O.) I couldn’t believe the Army is pulling this on me. If I stayed I would be risking another 40 days in the bush. I might get killed in another thirty days. I also had a commitment to my wife to

come home alive.

LIEUTENANT BINKS CAMPOS, WHAT’S YOUR ANSWER?

DYCKES (LOOKING AT STEPHEN)

Cat, I'll be with you man. I swore an oath and nothing can stop that. When we get home, if we get home, we'll have a ronda-Vu with destiny. Cat, just remember, I'll be back home one way or another.

Dyckes SNICKERS and then LAUGHS as he and his men exit for ambush patrol. They exit the compound.

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DYCKES

Men, lock and load! Cat, I’ll be back, one way or another! (he and his men walk out to their ambush site.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I knew what that meant. Either alive or wounded or dead in a pine box. Dyckes was a rugged individual, fearless to his men. He would keep

them safe and give his life freely so that others could live. He was one heck of an individual. Only one person in the world I knew I could trust with his word.

Dyckes slams his fist to his chest, Roman style.

DYCKES (LOOKING BACK) Cat, remember to keep your head down, your rifle clean, and your ammo dry.

Stephen returns the gesture, pounding his fist to his

chest.

STEPHEN (SOFTLY TO HIMSELF) COMANCHE COMMANDOS!

Dyckes and his men stride away from the perimeter. Stephen turns to look for Yingst. He sees him and heading in the opposite direction. Yingst can’t handle the disappointment.

JONATHAN (ON THE PHONE)

That must have been extremely difficult to handle leaving your best friends. I don’t know what I would have done in that situation either. STEPHEN (Very sad) I felt guilty for a long time after that. I felt worthless that I couldn’t keep my vow. After that I vowed never to get close to anyone after that. I would not

make any promises I couldn’t keep. I think (con’t) inside it has hurt me all my life.

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That was the last time we were together. It was June 30

th. 1968. I never saw Yingst

again. My heart was crushed.(PAUSE)

BACK TO CUBICLE Jonathan listens on then leans back in his chair. He hesitates.


That must have been difficult for you?

You have to decide to stay another 30 days and risked getting killed or transfer out.

STEPHEN (PAUSE)(ON THE PHONE) I let me buddy Yingst down. He couldn’t speak to me. I still remember the look on his face as he turned away in ANGER.

Yingst has walked away not wanting to know Stephen’s answer. He looks back with an angry expression on his face and then turns and walks away.

I packed my bags and was sent to Long Ben, our base camp to the 4

th. of the 12

th.

Infantry. When I got to my new company at base camp the men were on a two day stand down celebrating The Fourth of July, Vietnam style.

EXT. SAIGON - SUNDOWN The capital of South Vietnam. A city under siege. The Vietnamese venders were selling flags, colas, watches, food, anything and everything soldiers would buy.

People in bicycles, small cars and trucks had jammed the streets of Saigon in celebration of this American tradition.

EXT. BASE CAMP – SAME TIME Base Camp for the 199

th. Light Infantry Brigade.

Title Card

July 4, 1968 The UNIT prepares to celebrate Independence Day. Men

are waiting in line for steaks, baked potatoes, pie and beer. Everyone seems to be having a good time.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

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It was my first Fourth of July celebration in a war zone. Not exactly what I had imagined. Back home it was BBQ time, beer and fireworks at Del Webb baseball field.

SOLDIERS drink beer and listen to music. I was still feeling very guilty for leaving my best friends. You might say I was angry at the army, very angry. Stephen feels displaced. He gazes up at the 75-foot watchtower. Two G.I. GUARDS man the tower and cover

the perimeter with a fifty caliber machine gun.

STEPHEN(V.O.) I was on my own now. And I didn't care if anything happened to me. I had an attitude and that means trouble so I decided to see what Nam looked like from that tall command post tower.

Stephen climbs up the tower ladder. He gets to the top and peeks over at the two G.I.s standing watch.

TEX (LAUGHS)

Let me help you up, man.

RED Best view in all of 'Nam.

As Stephen lifts himself over the edge.

TEX

This is he best spot in Nam. You a narc?

STEPHEN I look like a Narc?

TEX Narc’s got dark glasses and wear suits and ties. You got a tie?

RED

Hey, dummy, he’s no Narc. TEX Well, I guess not. (hiding a joint behind his back) well, then my friend we (con’t)

got sometin’ to show you. This (he shows Stephen a marijuana cigarette) And dis is da best pot in Nam. He takes a hit and passes it to Red?

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Red garbs the joint and takes a drag and laughs, COUGHING up smoke.

RED You smoke? (he hands Stephen a joint) You sure you not a Narc? he laughs) STEPHEN Sure thing. (Stephen takes a hit and coughs up smoke and then passes the joint back over to Tex)

TEX (STONED) You ain't no narc? If you was we’de be busted and put in da brink!

STEPHEN

Man, if I was, you'd both busted, But, I’m not. I’m a grunt, a ground pounder a professionally trained killer!(he takes another hit and hands it to red)

TEX

Yeah, you're right. Narcs have short hair and wear sunglasses. You right.

(he looks around) I guess we all fit that profile! Ha!

Red takes a hit and hands the joint back to Tex.

RED You new?

STEPHEN Just got transferred from the 5

th.

of the 12th.

TEX Cool. What unit?

STEPHEN

4th. of the 12

th.

Red takes a hit and COUGHS up more smoke.

RED Whoa, bad-ass, man. Totally bad-ass.

Stephen stares out at the 360-degree view, totally

spaced out.

STEPHEN

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Wow, you can see forever from up here. I think I can see California.

TEX

Doubt it man. (Tex takes another hit of marijuana and blows out smoke and points) It was right out there. (points) We killed a thousand of dem gooks.

RED (STONED) More gooks then the whole damn brigade. (red stares at the field and

points) It was the TET offensive. Them came out like ants, thousands of them. They came in waves of four.

TEX Man, it was so righteous. Like shootin' ducks on a pond. I musta killed about a hundred by myself. Bam, Bam, Bam.( he pretends he is shooting) bam, bam, bam.

STEPHEN Wow, cool. I got in country in April.

RED (STONED) Tex is full of shit. He was sitting in a bunker with his head between his legs! TEX Okay, okay, I was in a bunker protecting the base camp. RED You were scared outta your mind bro. I was there too. Remember, we were both stoned!

TEX Yah, I remember you asking me where is the next joint! (they both laugh) RED During Tet, your new unit started puttin' an Ace of Spades on each dead gook. Charles didn't like them body cards much. They killed so many of dem gooks. They got a reputation and now Charlie’s got a bounty on der heads.

TEX Yah, now you're a marked man too, bro. better watch out or Charlie’s gonna

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get you.(he points his finger at Stephen)

STEPHEN

Don't give a darn anyway. I'm not here for the vacation. I enlisted to see the world, kill gooks, and win this dang war men. (angry) I got four grenades and five hundred rounds of ammo. I can take care of myself! I don’t need anyone. Give me that joint.

Stephen grabs the joint from Red and takes another hit of weed.

RED There was dead gooks everywhere man. It was so far out.

Stephen is so stoned he can't move or talk. He just stares into space.

TEX You’re company killed so many dinks it took the Army engineers a week to cover up their bodies. Brought in some dozers, dug a huge hole, and just shoved 'em in.

In that gully right out dere. (points)

RED Yeah, bro, that's a graveyard out there.

At twilight, the loud speakers start BLARING "America the Beautiful."

STEPHEN (V.O.)

It was Independence Day in Vietnam. It was my time to myself. No family, no Dyckes or Yingst, just these two stoned G.I.’s. What a day!

A blast of MACHINE-GUN FIRE rips open the night air. Red tracer rounds arc into the sky from one end of the horizon to the other. "God Bless America" ROARS out of the speakers. The entire CAMP sings along. Outside the perimeter of the base camp, FLARES light up the night sky with white, red, and purple lights. More EXPLOSIONS and GUNFIRE.

MEN'S VOICES (AS ONE)

Happy Fourth of July, Vietnam!! JONATHAN I can’t image what it was like.

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STEPHEN (V.O.)

But, it made me feel proud to be a soldier and a American. I had first hand experience in helping a people who wanted freedom. I was glad to be in Vietnam. It made me feel like I was accomplishing something great and protecting these people from Communism. And that’s what we were there for. To protect and country from Communism.

In the background a small radio is head, “God Bless America” plays and men sing.

TEX (LOOKING UP INTO THE SKY) Looka those colors. Red, blue, yellow. Man, I’m trippin'. (different colored flares are lighting up the sky all around the compound)

RED What'd you say, man? ( he looks at Stephen)

STEPHEN Nothin'. I was spacin'. I was back in the jungle with my buddies, Dyckes and Yingst.

TEX

Trippy!!.

STEPHEN We were walking in the jungle and our point man saw something. He turned to warn us and got shot in the back. The

bullet hit the back of his C-ration can and blew his food all to hell. He was so pissed Charlie had ruined his lunch. (LAUGHS) He grabbed the machine gun from the gunner next to him and started firing back. All of sudden, we're in a huge firefight with the gooks hidden in bunkers. The jungle was so thick, you couldn't see two feet in front of you.

RED

If I had my choice, I'd love to get wounded in the leg. They'd send me to

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Japan where all I would do is drink Saki, get high, and check out the geisha chicks! (LAUGHS AND COUGHS UP SMOKE)

STEPHEN

I heard the order to get our men online over the radio. I looked around to find my Lieutenant who was standing next to me when the shit hit the fan. He was gone. So, I took command of the platoon myself.

I ordered everyone to get online and move up the hill while I called in a barrage of artillery. We charged up hill and destroyed all the bunkers and ran Charlie back into the deep jungle.

TEX

Wow, that's awesome, dude. Where was your Lieutenant?

STEPHEN

I don’t know. Later when we were all assembled on the hill he showed up.

RED

Man that must have felt good. You guys kicked them gooks ass! All we do is sit on top of this tower and look out for Charlie and get high. Man this war if messed up! (HE TAKES ANOTHER HIT)

STEPHEN

Give me that. Stephen takes the joint out of

his hand. AREN'T YOU AFRAID OF GETTING KILLED UP HERE?

TEX Yeah, we worry. In-between hits! Ha! Ha!

They all LAUGH so hard they can hardly stand.

STEPHEN You guys are too stoned man.

RED God, it's so cool havin' Thailand as a next-door neighbor.

They LAUGH even harder. Stephen takes another hit and stares up into space.

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STEPHEN (V.O.)

I wondered what Dyckes and Yingst were doing right now? They were still out in the boon docks while I was here with these two ding bats stoned outta their minds. I wish I could see California. (he stares out into space) I wonder what my wife is doing right now?

EXT. INT. MODESTO SAM TIME Renee is a beautiful 19 year old with long dark hair. She

is at a party with Stephen’s friends. She is with her girlfriends sitting at a table drinking. One of Stephen’s friends approach her and ask her to dance. She says yes and gets up. EXT.INT SAME TIME BACK TO THE TOWER IN VIETNAM STEPHEN (V.O.)

I wondered what it would have been like shooting at all those enemy soldiers from up here. It was a massacre. Our troops killed a lot of the North Vietnamese.

EXT.INT. AMERICAN SOLDEIRS ARE SHOOTING AND KILLED TONS OF NORTH VIETNAMESE SOLDEIRS AS THEY COME IN WAVES OF TWO’S FROM ACROSS THE ENTIRE FIELD. EXT.INT. BACK TO THE TOWER STEPHEN (V.O.) I looked out on the ground in front. Man, it was eerie to think there's a graveyard filled with dead dinks lying right in front of me. (PAUSE)

And then all of a sudden I saw steams of

tracer rounds into the sky. I say explosions and men celebrating freedom in our country. It kept going on and on for thirty minutes. I could hear men cheering, screaming and yelling out loud. Happy Fourth of July Vietnam. It was so cool to experience freedom first hand. Man, it was the best fireworks I'd ever seen!

Stephen stares out into the sky watching the tracer rounds.

INT. 1969 - AIRPLANE – SUNRISE – STEEMING TOWATDS THE UNITED STATES

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Stephen snaps out of his reverie. Everyone on board is awake a talking. Men are making jokes, laughing and horsing around having fun. They are only a few hours away from arriving home in the United States.

STEWARDESS (PICKING UP TRASH) Need anything else?

STEPHEN Ah yes, as a matter of fact. Yah, see it’s been. (PAUSE) Ah,NO, Mam.

All the men are suddenly at the windows watching the land pass by.

STEPHEN

This had been the longest year of my life and what about you? (pause) Man, I couldn’t believe it! I’m alive and coming home.

SOLDIER (EXCITED) Time passed by quickly for me. The army had me busy processing papers all day long. Can't wait to get to

California! My whole family's supposed to be there to meet me.

STEPHEN The Army told our unit not to tell anyone we were coming home. They thought Charlie might try something foolish like what I don’t know. In my letters home I couldn’t say nothing except I was doing fine. Doing fine? Right!!

SOLDIER

Yeah, they told us the same, but, hey, they didn’t stop me. I guess you were different. You were in the bush. I was back at base camp. It wasn’t so bad back there. we could go to the NCO club and have a few beers and eat a hamburger.

STEPHEN Hamburger? I haven’t had a hamburger in a year. Man, that sounds good right now! Most of my eats were C-can rations. Chili in a can or lima beans a little fruit and

maybe a small pound cake. Yea, but those (con’t) days are over and I’m sure glad. When I get home I want spaghetti dinner. My

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mother makes the best spaghetti in the world! I didn’t tell anyone. The army left me out guarding our perimeter until three days ago. I didn’t think I was ever coming home. I though they forgot about me or didn’t like me because I was from California. That’s where the hippie’s came from you know. When I put a peace sign on my helmet they got angry. They thought I hated the United States. I just wanted to express myself. I

believe in peace and freedom, but it has a cost. I saw that first hand. SOLDIER Well you’re here now and that’s all that matters! All I want to do is forget about this whole dang army bit and get on with my life. I’m going to buy a motorcycle and travel and have fun for the rest of my life. No cares, no worries, ever!!

Stephen looks around the plane watching the men have

fun.

STEPHEN (V.O.) On April 3

rd. 1968 I came over on a flight

a lot like this one with 362 men from my combat unit. We were combat ready from Fort Lewis Washington training in the cold weather. We trained and trained and when it was time to fight we were ready. I thought. But when it was for real that was a different story. No one told me it would change my life forever.

I turned and counted the men on the airplane. I wanted to remember this moment. I wanted to know how many men from my company made it home alive. There was fifty-five. What happened to all the others? I guess some were killed, others wounded, some re-enlisted to get out of Nam. I don’t know what happened to the other men. I was one of the lucky ones who had made it home alive. Now, I started to feel guilty for not being wounded or killed. I stared out into

space.

EXT/INT. HILL 81 JUNE – SOUTH VIETNAM MAY 1968

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Monsoon clouds fill the sky. Hill 81 sits high above with a

village below.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Our company was assigned a few weeks break

from the jungle. We were guarding a hill they

called Hill 81. I was our job was to make sure

Charlie did take this hill or it would have

been bad for us and the village people down

below.

It was late a night and our mortar platoon was

firing a few mortars to help one of the ambush

patrols who had enemy contact. I could hear

the mortar rounds and then I heard a commotion

in the camp. One of the rounds was fired on the

village below. Lieutenant Binks came quickly

and told me to get my gear we were going into

the village to see what happened. When we

arrived there was a lot of anger and yelling at

us from the villagers.

I could understand but I knew it wasn’t good.

We finally arrived by way of APC (armored

personnel carrier). I could see a burnt down

hut smoldering. Lieutenant and I got down and

walked into this burned out building. There was

a horrible smell. As we walked by the villagers

they we crying and yelling at us. I walked

further into the hut to see what had happened

and then I saw what was the problem.

There were five dead burnt bodies in the hut. A

mother and father and two children and a

baby. They were burnt to a char-crisp black

smoke coming from there dead bodies. It was

horrible. I will never forget that smell and

what happens to innocent people in a war zone.

It made me sick to my stomach.

EXT./INT. AIRPLANE STEARMING PAST THE CALIFORNIA SHORELINE

SOLDIER (STANDING, EXCITED AND TALKING FAST)

Now, all I'm thinking about is what I'm going to do with my freedom. I

was drafted and now I'll be out of (con’t)

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the Army. A free man. Yah, here me? Free! FREEDOM, FREEDON!!!

STEPHEN (STANPS OUT OF HIS DREAM)

(pause) So, what're your plans?

SOLDIER Man I’ve already told you. You didn’t hear a word a said, man. I said, I’m going to find the nearest bar and get drunk for the next thirty days. I never

want to be reminded about this war or the army ever again. I did my job, man.

STEPHEN I know what you mean. Bummer is for me, I still owe Uncle Sam another year of my life, but when the time comes I will do the same. (he stares out the window)

CAPTAIN (OVER INTERCOM) Men, I just wanted to let you know we'll be in California in another hour!

The plane erupts with YELLS and WHISTLES. Men dance in the aisle’s. They hug each other. The black soldiers slop each other’s hands.

STEPHEN I can't believe this is real. Tell me, is this real or what?

SOLDIER I’m going to be a free man in an hour. Women, look out. Cause, I’m coming to get some snatch!

CAPTAIN (OVER INTERCOM)

We're on our descent men. We'll be home in forty-five minutes. Fasten your seat belts and welcome back.

A huge HURRAH erupts, rolling through the entire plane.

MEN ON THE AIRPLANE HURRAH! (AND THEN THEY START

SINGING) When Johnny comes marching home, hurrah, hurrah, when Johnny comes marching home again hurrah, hurrah. We’ll sound the

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horns and beat the drums Salute them for a job well done. That joyful day when Johnny comes marching home, HURRAH!

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Wow,I could picture the Army band and the music was prideful. They didn’t to know our unit was landing. In all the movies I ever saw, hundreds of people always lined the streets shouting, "Welcome home! God bless you! You are our heroes! You won the war!" My mind was racing. This was

the happiest day of my life!

FANTASY MONTAGE – STEPHEN’S MIND WONDERS A series of still PHOTOS CLICK OFF and fall from the sky. IMAGES OF CELEBRATION. There to greet him are his parents and his wife Renee. They waves to greet him. The crowd is welcoming home their heroes. There are tears of joy and laughter. The press is there and the TV media telling them they have won the war and asking how it feels to help a people to win freedom.

BACK TO AIRPLANE

Stephen eases back into his seat and smiles.

STEPHEN (V.O.) That day, I felt prouder than I had ever been in my entire life. I was proud to wear my Army uniform and my metals. I had accomplished the biggest trial of my life and made it out of hell alive.

As the plane descends, the SOLDIERS are so excited

they can't stay seated. Some stand to look out the windows, and some YELL. Men are throwing pillows at each other.

BIG SOLDIER Man, I am going to KISS the ground.

SOLDIER WITH MOUSTACHE

I'm gonna jump up and down and never stop.

CAPTAIN (OVER INTERCOM)

Men we'll be touching down any

moment now. TAEK YOUR SEATS!

SOLDIER WITH SCAR

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Man, I cannot wait. I'm coming home. I can't believe it. Made I made out alive!

The plane touches ground. And the cabin ERUPTS.

CAPTAIN (OVER INTERCOM) Welcome to California men!!

The plane erupts in a huge celebration. Everyone hugs and congratulates their fellow soldiers and pushes each other with excitement.

The plane rolls to a smooth stop. The stewardess opens the doors and lets in the California sun and fresh air. Stephen takes a deep breath. There is a jam at the exit door as each man tries to get out first.

SOLDIER WITH MOUSTACHE I can’t wait to see the big celebration awaiting us!

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Little did he know that our dreams would not come true. There would be NO one there to meet us. The military wouldn't allow any family members inside the terminal. We didn’t realize it but everyone seemed to be against the war in Vietnam. We would soon find out that soldiers were actually hated for serving in this war.

The EXCITEMENT bubbles over as they wait to exit the airplane. The STEWARDESSES join in the happy celebration. She dances with one G.I. and another sneaks in a kiss. As Stephen waits his turn to deplane, he glances out the window to see what the GUYS ahead of him are doing. Some men are kissing the ground. As he reaches the top of the stairs, he looks down the stairwell and watches every man's reaction.

STEPHEN(V.O.) It was so great to be home and watching men’s reactions. Man, I felt like kissing (con’t)

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the ground, but that was too nasty for me. But, for other’s they didn’t care. I watched each reaction until I reached the bottom of the stairs. Then, I took one jump and landed. I jumped up and down a few times and then… (PAUSE) In an instant, my joy turned to anger. About 100 feet away, on the other side of the perimeter fence, a small group of WAR PROTESTERS started chanting and BOOING. "Baby Killers," "Stop the War," "Peace

not War," peace Not War!

WAR PROTESTERS Baby Killers! Murderers! Baby Killers! We want outta Viet Nam!

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I was no baby killer. Neither me or any of my combat buddies had killed any women or children. My joy had turned into hatred. I felt like killing someone.

The SOLDIERS start pointing and talking. They're starting to get pissed. A few flip the bird and make other nasty gestures.

SOLDIER (yells) Let’s kill them bastards! Let’s get em men! STEPHEN (V.O.) Just at that second several jeeps of MILITARY POLICE pull up next to the airplane, putting themselves between the

soldiers and the protestors.

I tried not to look at them but, he couldn’t help himself. My pride now turned into revenge.

MP’s (yelling and motioning us to keep moving)

Keep moving forward, keep moving! faster! Keep moving, men!

STEPHEN (V.O.)

The words of those war protesters hurt

more than I could ever tell you. I thought my war was over. Boy, was I wrong.

DOCUMENTARY MONTAGE

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Television footage of WAR PROTESTERS, MEN burning the American flag and burning their draft cards, RIOTS in the streets of Los Angeles and Alabama, BLACK PROTEST MARCHES, the HIPPIE movement, KIDS dancing and smoking marijuana.

BACK TO RUNWAY MILITARY POLICEMEN jump out of their jeeps and physically restrain the soldiers from trying to reach the protestors.

The MPs divert the men and herd them along like cattle to the Army terminal.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I kept walking forward as they rushed us into the hanger. But, my demeanor had changed. Once I got inside I thought it would be a better mood. There was No one to meet us. There was no Army band playing. No one, ZIP. I kept moving forward to see if anyone

would say thank you or welcome home. I passed by military personnel. Everyone was in a rush and no say one word to us.

Stephen slowly trudges toward the terminal, men in a hurry passing. (DISAPPOINTED)

INT. TERMINAL – MOMENTS LATER ARMY PERSONNEL WAVE THE MEN INTO A ROOM.

The emotions wash across Stephen's face. Shock, disappointment and, finally, anger. He clenches his fists. He's almost wanting someone to say something. Anything.

STEPHEN (V.O.) But, no one did. And what was worst was that no one knew the hell I had gone through and no one cared. It sucked. It felt bad, really bad. Like I was just a number being used by our government.

PROCESSING DOOR- STEPHEN ENTERS A RUN FILLED WITH

BOXES OF FILES AND MILITARY MEN SOARTING TO FIND A SOLDIESR FILE Stephen steps up to a table and a PROCESSOR.

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STEPHEN

Sergeant Stephen Campos, Serial Number RA177294899.

The Processor has all Stephen's paperwork at hand. He opens the folder and begins the exit processing.

PROCESSOR ( DOESN’T LOOK AT STEPHEN)

Name?

STEPHEN I said Stephen P. Campos RA177294899, specialist.

PROCESSOR Okay, that’s under C. (he rummages through files and finally pulls one) Here it is. Just got back from Nam sergeant?

STEPHEN That’s correct. Where else would I come from? (stupid idiot, under his breath)Just came out of the bush three

days ago. I had to protect my side of our company’s perimeter. We heard we were going to be overrun when I left base.

PROCESSOR

Yah, I think I’m going to make this army thing a career. The chows not bad and all my quarters a paid for. (he looks through Stephen’s papers) Oh, okay, I see. How was the chow? (he doesn’t really know what Stephen is

talking about)

STEPHEN (V.O) This guy had never been outside of the USA. He and I weren’t in the same army. He had never slept on the ground or eaten C-rations. He never had carried a weapon or seen death. It was like trying to take to a baby. You been to Nam?

PROCESSOR

No sergeant just been here in the states. The army’s not that bad.

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STEPHEN Career? You wanna make the army a career? (V.O) at that point I knew I was talking to a wall. This guy was not aware of the suffering and trauma of war. He wouldn’t understand what I was telling him so I stopped and internalized my knowledge. I would soon learn that war was unexplainable and hard to comprehend.

The Processor finishes.

PROCESSOR Here's your paycheck, money for a bus ticket, and a voucher for a steak dinner. NEXT IN LINE! Good luck sergeant. Next!

STEPHEN (V.O.) That was my welcome home greeting with a dork who didn’t know what we had been through and really didn’t care himself. If the army had only sent him to Nam then he would have appreciated my efforts. Oh, well, I thought, there surely would be someone who respected my duty.

Stephen looks at his voucher and paycheck. A hundred and seventy-five bucks. Two tickets, one for the bus and the other for his chow. Other men head down the corridor to the mess hall and into a chow line. Stephen follows.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I thought my best friends and family back home would understand. I could tell them every detail and how we were winning the war and it would be over soon. Our

soldiers were braves warriors and I was proud to be one of them.

INT. MESS HALL – MOMENTS LATER MEN stand in line, waiting to get their last meal courtesy of Uncle Sam. Stephen finally reaches the front of the line. An ARMY GRUNT doing kitchen duty slaps a steak on Stephen's dinner plate. Then a baked potato, some salad, and a slice of apple pie. The steak looks like

leather. Stephen takes his tray and sits down at a long table next to a GUY WEARING CIVILIAN CLOTHES.

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STEPHEN Where you going?

SOLDIER IN CIVVIES (mouth-full of food)

Arkansas. I got drafted and I'm out of the Army now. I'm free. I don't know what the hell I'm going to do and I don't care. I'm getting drunk for the next 30 days!

STEPHEN

I just came out of the bush. I have one year left. They're sending me to Fort Riley, Kansas.

The man from Arkansas finishes his food.

SOLDIER IN CIVVIES Gotta catch a plane. I'm going home.(he slams down his food and hurriedly leaves his plate half empty and walks swiftly toward the door and out.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Like so many other guys, that was the last time I saw him. It was crazy. There was so much comradery in Nam. There was true brotherhood and everyone helped each other. Not so here. It made me feel I wasn’t welcomed. Back in Nam everyone was happy our G.I.’s were there. The South Vietnamese people treated us like royalty.

Stephen toys with his food and then takes a bite of pie and a slice of steak and almost gages. Then he

gets up and tossed the food down the garbage and heads out toward the buses.

BACK TO CUBICLE Jonathan pokes at an empty bag of potato chips.


Pretty sad, if you ask me. No wonder why so many of your veterans are angry.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE)

And still are to this day.

INT. GREYHOUND BUS - LATER

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Stephen takes a seat in a bus heading back to home. The bus is filled with TRAVELERS. Stephen looks around. He's the only one in an Army uniform. No one makes eye contact. Stephen is disappointed then pissed.

STEPHEN (V.O.) As I took a seat I was waiting for

someone to talk to me or ask if I had been to Nam. But, no one would look at me. They all looked away as if I had leprosy. So, I started to internalize. It was a solemn and lonely two hour ride bus ride to Modesto. I just thought how lucky I was to be alive and these people had no clue of what I had been through. I tried to sleep but my mind was fresh in Nam. I felt like I had deserted the South Vietnamese. They needed us there to protect them. They needed our support.

EXT. MODESTO – GREYHOUND BUS DEPOT - DAY The bus arrives in Modesto. It's busy for the middle of the week. Stephen gets off the bus and grabs his duffle.

INT. BUS DEPOT – SAME TIME Stephen enters the depot, smiling a big smile. He looks around expecting some kind of greeting.

No one says a word everyone looks away at me. When they say my uniform people just turned there head. No one smiled, no one would look at me in the eyes. Stephen's face clouds over. Man I was expecting a thank you or welcome home, or good job. All I got were angry stares. I felt insulted and guilty for serving my country. After all, I was a sergeant E-5. I had gone from a private first class to a sergeant in just nine months.

EXT. BUS DEPOT – SAME TIME

Stephen exits the main entrance out onto 10th Street.

Still no one. Not a car. He tosses his bag against the wall and sits down to wait.

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HOURS LATER A car pulls up. The passenger door flies open. MARIAN, Stefan's mother, gets out. Stephen jumps to his feet. His mother rushes to him. They hug and kiss. Marian's new husband, CHUCK, gets out of the driver's side and stares over the top of the car at the reunion.

MARIAN (EXCITED)

Stephen, I prayed for you. I prayed every night. And my prayers were answered. You're home safe. (she cried)

STEPHEN

Thanks, Mom. It's good to be home. Where's Dad?

MARIAN At work. We'll call later.

STEPHEN (V.O.) My mother was the only person who really valued my service. She had empathy and love, both of which I needed so desperately. But, didn’t realize it until it was almost too late.

INT. CHUCK'S CAR - DAY The car works its way through town and out into the suburbs.

CHUCK (25 YEARS OLD)

Hey, Stephen, we're really happy you're home, son.

Stefan reacts to this stranger calling him "son."

MARIAN

Why haven't you written the last few weeks?

STEPHEN Mom, I didn't want you to worry about me.

MARIAN But, Stephen, I worry anyway. You know that.

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STEPHEN Okay, Mom, I'm sorry. The next time I go to Vietnam, I'll write you more. (he laughs)

MARIAN I thought something had happened. I had a dream. It was so bad it woke me up. I prayed for you.

STEPHEN When was that?

MARIAN

November 10th. I wrote it down.

STEPHEN

Mom, that was the day I caught malaria. I almost died. The doctors all told me I had the Hong Kong flu, but I knew I had malaria. I had a fever of 104 plus. They put me into a tub of ice and alcohol to lower my temperature. I saw you Mom. You called my name.

MARIAN (WORRIED) I knew something had happened to you. I couldn't sleep and I started praying for you. I just knew something was wrong. Are you alright? STEPHEN Yes, I’m fine Mom. No need to worry anymore.

EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX – DAY- THE CAR TAKING STAFAN COMES TO A STOP.

A clean, but somewhat low-rent complex, in an older neighborhood. Stephen walks to the front door of Apartment #9. He hesitates, then reaches for the door handle.

STEPHEN (V.O.) My fight was far from over. I would learn in the following thirty-five years that I had to fight for many things including and learning to be myself. That took years.

INT. APARTMENT #9 – SAME TIME – MUSIC IS COMING FROM THE APARTMENT – AS STEPHEN WALKS CLOSER THE MUSIC GETS LUADER AND LAUDER.

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Stephen walks in the apartment. The sign on the door says; party inside. There are PEOPLE everywhere, drinking and listening to music and dancing including Renee, his wife. She turns. She looks hot looking. A tight halter top, short skirt. Her top flatters her large breasts, the skirt her beautiful legs. Her hair is dark and silky, her eyes are big and brown. You can see the excitement in Stephen's eyes turn to

anger as he watches Renee dance sexy with men all around her. She seems to enjoy the flattery and men watching her bounce to the music. Renee she’s Stephen and rushes to his arms. They hug and kiss.

RENEE Baby, I missed you.

STEPHEN

I missed you more, pussycat. I couldn't wait to get home. The army left me out in

the boondocks until just four days ago. I can’t believe I’m really here. (Stephen has a faraway look in his eyes)

Renee (a little drunk) grabs him by the arm and pushes him into a bathroom and closes the door.

INT. BATHROOM – SAME TIME All Stephen can do is stare.

STEPHEN

Baby, I can't believe this is real. Before I left the word was that our company was going to be overrun by the enemy. I was out in a bunker when Huey helicopter flew in and out came a guy walked out and asked for my name.

RENEE (SHE INTERRUPTS)

Don't worry babe, you're with me now. She is all over Stephen.

Then she reaches down and starts to unbutton Stephen's belt. Stephen stops her.

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STEPHEN (STARTLED) What are you doing? I haven’t been here for five minutes and you are attacking me.

Stephen pushes her off and looks at her.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

What she didn’t realize was that I didn’t need sex right then. What I needed was her empathy, her caring and her love. Like a dog who had been run over with a

truck. I needed sympathy, love and understanding.

RENEE (DRUNK) But, baby, I need you now. I've waited a whole year.(she kisses him more and crabs his hand and places it on her breast.

STEPHEN (ANGRY) You’re drunk. I said not now and I mean it.(he takes his hand of her breast and looks at her.

There is a loud knock on the door. Then another and another. They both look startled.

RON (O.S.) Hey, man, what the hell is going on? Who's making all that noise in there? Hey, Campos, come on out, man. You and Renee can make love later. The music is great come on and enjoy.

STEPHEN Okay, okay, we'll be out in a minute. Oh, baby I missed you. I am so glad I'm back. Let’s go out so I can talk to my friends. (eager to talk)

Stephen grans Renee and they unlock the door and enter the bathroom. They are a few of Stephen’s best friends. They are busy drinking and having a good time. Most of them don’t notice Stephen and really don’t care. They want to watch Stephen’s wife dance more.

Paul approaches Stephen. He’s drunk, but looking at Renee.

STEPHEN

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It's good to be home. I can't believe this is real. I was in the boondocks just four days ago and now I’m here. Our compound was expecting to be overrun by North Vietnamese. I was lucky I was sent home.

RON (DRUNK- COMES OVER TO SEE STEPHEN)

Have one of these. You'll feel a lot better. (HE HANDS STEPHEN A BEER)

Paul takes a hit of some weed and hands it to Stephen. Stephen notices that Paul only cares about looking at Renee in her tight partially expose breast.

PAUL No one gives a shit and no one wants to hear about f..ing Vietnam, man, we're losing that war. We should never have been there in the first place. We're killing innocent children and our soldiers are dying. For nothing. NOTHING.

STEPHEN (ANGER BUILDS UP UNTIL HE EXPLODES)

Man, you don't know jack shit. I was there asshole. No one was killing babies and we're winning the war. I WAS THERE MAN. (STEPHEN GETS UP INTO PAULS FACE)

BRAD (SEEING THE COMMOTION AND TRIES TO BREAK THINGS UP)

It's okay, Campos. Don't get upset. We’re all against the war in Viet Nam. The war

is all wrong. We should never have been fighting this war, but we’re not blaming you. Our military men are being killed by Asians ten thousand miles away.

STEFAN (GETTING ANGRIER)

My company was five miles away from Saigon. The NVA was going to overrun our base camp with 2,000 gook pricks. We were protecting all those people. They all wanted freedom from Communism. They wanted and needed our help.

PAUL I said we don't want to hear it, Campos.

STEPHEN

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Hey, Paul, you remember when we were in elementary school? We made that Indian blood vow.

PAUL (DRUNK)

I sure do, I remember that. Why?

STEPHEN Well, today I'm taking that vow back. We're no longer friends ASSHOLE! (STEPHEN PUSHES PAUL)

Ron is watching and yells from the corner.

RON Vietnam is all wrong, dude. Our soldiers are killing innocent women and children. They’re being mowed down by our army. I’ve seen it on TV.

STEPHEN

You're all full of it and you're a bunch of buttheads. Real men fight for their country. They don't complain about it, or try to get out of serving

their country. We kicked Charlie's ass over and over. We bombed him into the dust and -

PAUL

I said we don't care, Campos.(he pushes Stephen)

Renee jumps in and sepeartes the two. She is holding Stephen back from a fight.

STEPHEN

I fought for your freedom prick. And all of you shit heads. Keep your mouth shut or I'm going to kick your ass!!

Ron comes over and holds Paul back.

PAUL (TRIES TO PUCH HIS WAY TOWARD STEPHEN)

Try it, Campos. RENEE (HOLDING STEPHEN BACK)

Stephen, let's go. Stop it, damn it! Stop it!

PAUL (O.S.)

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Don't talk to me about freedom or anything. We can't win in Vietnam.

RENEE PUSHES STEPHEN OUTSIDE THE APARTMENT TOWARD THE PARKING LOT. The PACK OF FRIENDS all follow.

STEPHEN I saw men die who gave their lives in battle. I carried my best friend's dead

body through the rain and mud. We are winning the war and we are winning freedom for the Vietnamese people. They wanted our help you punks. And we did our job asshole.

Renee tries to steer Stephen toward her car.

RENEE Come on, BABY, let's get outta here.

Renee pushes him against the car. Stephen shouts at the crowd over her shoulder.

STEPHEN (SHOUTING)

I have known you guys all my life, but today you are dung and worthless to me. I could kill you with my bare hands! If I had an M-16 you'd be dead!

RENEE

He's not himself, guys. He doesn't know what he's saying.

Renee turns to Stephen.

RENEE

Why'd you have to say that to them? We were just having some fun. What’s wrong with you?

STEPHEN

Did you hear what they said? They told me to keep my mouth shut. They told me never to talk about 'Nam. How can I do that? How can I ever do that?

RENEE

Well, you should have kept your mouth shut. No one wants to talk about Vietnam.

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STEPHEN You stupid ass. You don't give a shit that my friends died in Vietnam. You're just like those cowards. Why did you bring me here? I don't care about you or anyone else. Do you hear me? Get the hell out of my life and leave me alone!!

Stephen yanks the car keys out of her hands and pushes her to the ground. He gets into the car, starts it up, and BURNS RUBBER as he speeds out of the lot and SKIDS onto the neighborhood street.

RENEE

Stephen, come back. Come back, baby. I didn't mean it.

STEPHEN LOSERS! ASSHOLES!

Stephen flies down the road. Hell bent. He reaches down and turns up the radio. (The Animals play, ”We got to get outta this Place”.)

BACK TO CUBICLE

Jonathan is sitting on the edge of his seat.


I can’t believe they treated you that way. I guess that period of time is hard to understand. The public was never told that we were winning the war. The media always displayed Americans getting killed. No wonder everyone was angry. But, the worst part of it was that you men weren’t getting any appreciation or

respect for serving our country. It is a horrible shame.

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) I just wanted to tell them how proud I felt. We had kicked Charlie's butt over and over again. We were helping save lives. The Vietnamese people appreciated us. It’s no wonder that some of my friends re-enlisted to go back to Vietnam to fight. I never could understand why but now I do. It was all because of respect and appreciation?

Some of us would die for that.

EXT. ROADHOUSE – DAY – STEPHENS CAR ENTERS A PARKING LOT.

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Stephen SCREECHES into the lot, scattering dust and gravel.

STEPHEN (V.O.ANGRY ) These people used to be my best friends. Now, they were my enemies. My true friends were my combat buddies. If I had my rifle, they'd all be in body bags.

INT. ROADHOUSE – SAME TIME

Stephen strides into the LOCAL bar. He's hit with cigarette smoke and the smell of stale beer. MUSIC plays. PEOPLE LAUGH. Pool balls CLACK. Stephen steps up to the bar.

BARTENDER What'll you have, soldier?

STEPHEN BEER.

BARTENDER

Comin' right up. The BARTENDER returns and sets down a napkin and a frosty mug of Beer. Stephen takes a sip and nods at the bartender. Stephen turns around and scans the bar. He sees two LONG-HAIRED GUYS and four GIRLS. They look like they're having a good time. Stephen turns back to his beer and lights up a

cigarette. One of the long-hairs materializes at his side.

SEAN What's up, man? Looks like you're a little down.

Sean is a little high.

STEPHEN What’s it to you, man?

SEAN (A LITTLE HIGH) Hey, hey, no problem. Just thought you might like a friend. I'm Sean.(hands out to shake)

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Sean extends his hand to shake.

SEAN It's written all over your face, man. Looks like you need a friend.

STEPHEN

That’s exactly what I don’t need. Doesn't matter anyway. It's all over now. Just got out of the Army. (pauses and waits)

Stephen tenses, waiting for the inevitable. Waiting to hear the words, just like the freaks at Travis or his old friends at the apartment.

STEPHEN Just split from my apartment. Couldn't deal. Left my wife and my friends. Bunch of assholes.

SEAN

You must have been through hell and back, man. Got something to show you. (Sean’s eyes are glassy)

Stephen looks at him, not sure what to do. Sean walks toward the back door. He waves for Stephen to follow.

EXT. ROADHOUSE – BACK LOT – SAME TIME Stephen gets out of his seat and makes it to the back door. Outside Sean reaches into his pocket and pulls out a

silver cigarette holder. He gives it to Stephen.

SEAN Open it.

STEPHEN (EXPECTING A CIGARETTE0 You asked me out here to smoke?

SEAN (SMILING)

Open it up, man. Stephen opens the holder. It's packed with marijuana-filled cigarettes.

SEAN What you are looking at, bro, is the best marijuana you've ever smoked.

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It's called Maui Wowie. This will change your prospective! (he laughs)

Sean takes out a joint and lights it up. He takes a hit then hands it to Stephen. He COUGHS while exhaling the smoke. He just looks at Stephen and smiles a big grin.

SEAN

This will take all your problems away. Go ahead and take a few hits.

Stephen takes a hit and starts COUGHING like crazy. He

is immediately stoned.

STEPHEN Wow, you're right. I smoked some good stuff in 'Nam. This is cool.

Stephen passes the joint back to Sean.

SEAN Take another, man. It's the best you can get and I have more, lots more. YOU NEED IT!

STEPHEN Sort of reminds me of the pot in 'Nam. We called it Thai Weed. One hit and you're in the Twilight Zone.my friends call me “Cat”.

Stephen takes another hit and his demeanor changes. The back door opens and three of the CHICKS exit. They're tall and blonde. They all wear see-through blouses, tight jeans, and colored glasses.

Stephen can't help but stare at the girls see through blouses. The girls come up to Sean and book-end him, draping their bodies all over him.

SEAN This is Lisa, Linda, and Sally. His name is Cat.

LISA (SHE SMILES AT STEPHEN AS SHE IS CHECKING HIM OUT)

HELLO!

LINDA (IS ALL OVER SEAN WANTING MORE WEED)

Hi!

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SALLY (IS HIGH) Sally smiles at Stephen. Hi! There. (she comes over to Stephen and takes a joint and blows smoke in Stephen mouth. Then she kisses him.

STEPHEN I think I’m going to like this! I just got out of the Army.

Stephen looks around and waits again for someone to put him down. Now it's a test.

Sally walks over and puts her arm around Stephen. She takes the joint out of his hand and takes a hit. She COUGHS. She takes another hit and holds it. She grabs Stephen's face and pulls it towards her lips and she blows the smoke into his mouth again. The back door opens again and the other long-hair comes out.

SEAN

This is Jim. Jim, Cat. Jim, he just got out of the service.

JIM (HIGH)

Cool, man. My cousin went into the Army. So, what's up, man, is the party out here now?

Jim takes the joint out of Stephen's hand. He takes a hit, COUGHS up smoke, and LAUGHS.

SEAN

Let's all go back to my place so we can listen to some real tunes.

Sean takes a little bag out of his pocket. It's a white powder. He LAUGHS. The girls are suddenly all over him.

EXT./INT. HOUSE – NIGHT It's a nice little house in a nice clean neighborhood with nice furniture and a killer stereo system. They all sit around a wooden table. The table is a

huge telephone spool. The image of the Zig-Zag man is burned into the top.

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Sean takes out the bag of cocaine and deposits several lines on a large mirror. He rolls up a dollar bill and takes a hit in each nostril. He then passes it to the women. He lights up a joint and passes it to Stephen while he waits his turn. Jim grabs a large bottle of Red Mountain wine and fills a glass for everyone. As the MUSIC PLAYS, they all get more stoned and drunk.

A TELEVISION plays soundlessly in the background.

TIME LAPSE FIVE YEARS GO BY The living room and the table stay the same. Jim, Sean, and Stephen continue sitting where they are. Stefan's hair and beard grow out. His uniform disappears, replaced by jeans and T-shirts. The GIRLS change. They come and go. They get up and leave with Jim, Sean, or Stephen.

Other PEOPLE come and go. Many buy drugs from Sean. ON THE TELEVISION, the war in Vietnam winds down. In Saigon, the MILITARY destroys airplanes. The VIETNAMESE PEOPLE run through the streets. The NORTH VIETNAMESE ARMY marches through the abandoned city. The AMERICAN EMBASSY is overrun.

STEHEN (V.O.) It was a disgrace. Our government had abandoned a people who needed freedom. My fellow comrades had fought for nothing. The

war became senseless and those who fought had been betrayed by our government leaders. It was appalling.

BACK TO CUBICLE Jonathan sips a diet drink.

JONATHAN

You guys got the short end of the stick. You were mistreated by your friends and your government. Of course trying to fit in after being in combat was not easy.

No one knew about PTSD or wanted to take responsibility for our soldiers well- being.

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STEPHEN (ON PHONE) We were abandoned by the V.A. Healthcare system who told us there was no money to treat us. They didn’t recognize Agent Orange contamination, PTSD or our combat sufferings. Men had Agent Orange so bad they were covered with sores and the Veterans Administration just ignored it all. But, I did find a few friends who didn’t ridicule me about serving and didn’t have an opinion about Vietnam. I got caught up with the party life and the

escapism of it all.

INT. MODESTO - BAR – NIGHT – EIGHT YEARS LATER A country bar after midnight.

INT. MODESTO - BAR – DISCO NIGHT – 1978 A bar scene After midnight.

TITLE CARD Stephen dances. He looks cool in his Seventies

threads. He's put on some weight. His hair is long. He looks waisted. The SONG ENDS. He walks up behind the WAITRESS, who is setting down drinks at a table. Stephen slaps her butt and nuzzles her neck. She smiles, pats his head, and takes her tray of drinks to the next table.

BARTENDER

Last call for alcohol.

You best get home Campos you’re pretty drunk. Go home and sleep it off. STEPHEN (SLURRING WORDS) I’m not drunk yet! But, ( DOWNS HIS DRINK) I’ll take another! BARTENDER We’re closing. No more for you.(bartender turns on the lights. The bars girls and starting to clean up the tables) STEPHEN Oaky, okay, I’m leaving.

Stephen leaves the bar staggering.

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EXT./INT. STEPHEN'S GET’S INTO HIS CAR, TURNS ON THE LIGHTSA AND TURNS UP THE MUSIC - LATER Stephen drives home. He's wasted. He turns the radio on and drives. He weaves down the road barely falling asleep. Half an hour later - On the radio, a SONG popular around the Vietnam Era plays. Country Joe and The Fish- “Next stop Vietnam”

FLASHBACK - VIETNAM – 1968- VILLAGE - NIGHT

Stephen walks patrol with his SQUAD IN A VILLAGE. It's so dark, you can barely see two feet ahead. There are no stars. The squad walks cautiously, using their infrared starlight scopes to find their way through the village and search for booby traps. Stephen walks slowly, trailed by a wet-behind-the-ears GRUNT who has only be in country for two weeks.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

The kid had only been in-country a couple of weeks. He was jumpy and nervous. He could see and kept asking me where we were. I kept telling him to stay close to me with his hand on my backpack.

The SNORT of a WATER BUFFALO breaks the stillness. It's close.

STEPHEN (WHISPERS) Be careful. That water buffalo is close. Be alert.

GRUNT

Where, where is it?

STEPHEN Watch your feet and keep your eyes on the horizon. It'll help you see ahead. Keep quiet and listen for anything that moves. Stay close to me.

GRUNT

But, I can’t see anything.

Stephen hears the sounds of a CHAIN CLANGING back and forth. He hits the ground.

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STEPHEN (V.O.) Water buffalo hated G.I.s. I squatted down and I could see a huge water buffalo and a papa-son trying with all his might to hang on to his chain. The bull was snorting and digging his huffs in the dirt.

On the horizon, he sees the silhouette of a huge, chained WATER BUFFALO. It jabs its massive horns into the earth. Not a welcoming sign.

An ELDERLY PAPA-SAN holds onto the chain for all he's worth.

SOLDIER INFRONT OF STEPHEN Watch out! That sumbitch is gonna charge!

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I think they could smell us. We had a different smell than the Vietnamese because we washed with soap every day. Almost. The Vietnamese washed maybe once a week. I saw the buff charge our

troops several times as we were patrolling around villages. I had watched my captain kill one that was threatening our whole company. They weighed up to seven hundred pounds and had long horns they would gladly use to gore us to death. We were afraid of them and they were afraid of us.

PAPA-SAN

G.I.! G.I.!

The Papa-san can't hold on any longer. He lets go of the chain. The water buffalo charges Stephen. The squad panics. SOLDIERS run every which way.

GRUNT What the heck is that old guy doing here?

STEPHEN Run for it, man! He's going to ram us!

Stephen leaps to his feet to run.

GRUNT Take this, you big fat water buffalo.

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As Stephen crosses in front of the Grunt, he opens up on the beast with his M-16. The MUZZLE BLAST hits Stephen in the side as he crosses. He hits the ground, YELLING. He touches his rib cage.

STEPHEN I'm hit! Ah!, I'm hit!(Stephen hits the dirt thinking he is shot) Ah! My side.

Stephen hits the ground thinking he has been shot by the grunt who was following him. On the ground he checks his side for blood. No blood. He hears POUNDING HOOVES getting closer and closer thinking he is going to be ramped into the dust. Still holding his bruised ribs, he suddenly get up and starts to run from the buffalo. He takes ten steps and suddenly he sinks into some rotten wooden planks and … Plummets down. His backpack catches something on the side, stopping his fall. He's yanked to a halt and dangles there.

Everything goes pitch black. Not knowing if he is dead or wounded Stephen looks around. He hears nothing and then.

A FLASH OF BRILLIANT FLASH OF LIGHT LIGHTENS UP THE HORIZON. HORIZON TO HORIZON TH BRILLIANT LIGHT FILLS EVERYTHING. The light is so bright that it illuminates and envelopes him.

Stephen opens his eyes. Everything is a brilliant white – there is grass and a meadow and a lone trees up on a hill.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I thought I was dead. Was this heaven? It was peaceful and serene. As I looked at the hill I sensed someone beckoning me to come closer and closer. My mind wanted to move me forward.

Then all of a sudden it went completely dark again. I heard the (CON’T) sound of screeching tires. And a loud

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crash. My head hit the wind shield and broke the glass. It knocked me unconsciousness.

STEPHEN'S CAR WAS TOTALLED AND SMOULDERING. HIS CAR HAD HIT THE FRONT END OF ANOTHER CAR WHO WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. STEPHEN IS SLUMPTED OVER AGAINST THE STREARING WHEEL.

INT. CAR – ONE HOUR LATER A TAPPING on the driver's side window.

Stephen slowly opens his eyes. He's still groggy from the impact. Through the window, he sees a POLICE OFFICER. The officer motions for Stephen to roll down the window. He does.

POLICE OFFICER Son, have you been drinking?

STEPHEN (SLURRING)

Only a few drinks, officer.

POLICE OFFICER Please step out of the vehicle and place your hands behind your back.

The police officer place Stephen in his patrol car and heads down for booking. STEPHEN (V.O) I got booked and placed into jail. I FELT

humiliated. I was placed in a cell with thieves and robbers. It was the worst experience of my lifetime. I was placed with a bunch of criminals. I thought jail was only for people who committed crimes, not being drunk. The next day I had to go up before the judge. I was fined $500.00 and had to attend a drug and alcohol counseling program for a year. And I was awarded to attend Alcoholic’s Anonymous. I had to go to counseling and attend eight

Alcoholic’s Anonymous meetings. (con’t) It was eight months later that I Attended my first meeting.

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EXT. SOUTH MODESTO – EVENING A run-down part of town around Modesto High School. Outside an old building that looks like it should be torn down, MEN and WOMEN smoke cigarettes and talk. Stephen looks down, as he enters not wanting anyone to recognize him.

INT. BUILDING – SAME TIME

Stephen enters a large, bare room. There are folding chairs lined up in several rows. At the front are a table, a blackboard, and a podium. Off to the side is a coffee pot with cups. There are about 200 PEOPLE in the room. Some greet Stephen as he enters and walks to the back of the room.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

I had a feeling I belonged here. I recognized several people. Friends of my parents. Others that I knew. These were successful people. What were they doing here?

Stephen takes a seat in the back row and watches. A MAN stands up.

DONALD Hello, my name is Donald and I'm an

alcoholic.

THE CROWD Hello Donald.

INT. BACK TO THE INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN JONATHAN PUTS DOWN THE NOTE PAD AND LEANS FORWARD.

STEPHEN (V.O.ON THE PHONE) You would think after that event I would hit rock bottom but, I didn’t. I tried to limit my drinking to four or

five time a week. It wasn’t until a month later that I hit rock bottom.

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(con’t) It had to do with my girlfriend Jackie. We had been dating about a year. I thought she was the one. I tried to be as good as I could but still drank with her. We actually got along well. I thought I may want to settle down with her. And then it was after the Christmas that she broke up with me. She told me it was over with us. It was out of the

blue. It caught me off guard. The anxiety and depression set in. It hit me like a ton of bricks. The depression lasted for a few days. It felt like I had a heavy bowl on my head. My forehead felt like I had a brick inside. For the next few days I tried to handle it on my own. I didn’t know what to do except drink. But, the drinking didn’t seem to help at all.

So, I decided to call her and try to win her back. I would buy her a nightgown. She loved nightgowns and present. Maybe some champagne. I would win her back and my depression would be over. That night I called her on the phone and asked her to come over to my townhouse. We would get back together and this depression would be over. A few hours later she came over. I had

something to ask her.

FADE IN- 7PM at Stephen’s Townhome. There is a knock at the door. Stephen opens and door and lets Jackie into his home. They stand next to the table.

STEPHEN Jackie, I’ve made a lot of mistakes with you, but I want you back. (Stephen hands her a gift and gets out to glasses of champagne) I just know things will be better. Will you come back to me? I will even marry you. I

am sorry for what I’ve done to you.

Jackie took the gift from my hand and paused with her head down.

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JACKIE I can’t this gift. (3 minute pause)I’m sorry, but it’s over between us. (she hands the gift back to Stephen and starts to walk to the front door and opens it). STEPHEN (startled) But, Jackie, I need you!(begging) PLEASE COME BACK. DON’T DO THIS!

JACKIE It’s over between us.(she walks out the door and closes it) STEPHEN (V.O.) I couldn’t believe this just happened. She didn’t tell me why she was leaving or what I had done to her. My depression was in full swing. My head felt like a thousand pounds. It felt like I had a basket on rocks on top of my head. I went over and drank

a few drinks of the champagne quickly. It didn’t seem to help. My depression was still there. I drank a few more glasses and finished the bottle and sat down waiting for my depression to be lifted. I took a few more drinks. My mind was racing. My head was pounding with thoughts of how bad I had been in my past.

If only I made more money. If only I had a better job. If only I was a better person. My mind was being bombarded thoughts of anxiety. It was like I couldn’t control my mind. I kept thinking how such a bad person I was. I was no good. A loser. A coward. And then I heard something. The voices in my head started talking to me out loud. You’re a FOOL. You’re a LIAR and a COWARD. You’re NO GOOD. You USE people. No one will ever love you. You stole money from

your father and used him to better yourself.

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(con’t) You let that soldier die in Vietnam. You’re a sinner. You’re going to hell! “KILL YOURSELF”. The voices got louder and louder until I couldn’t stand it any longer. I was crying uncontrollably. The voices told me I was going crazy and someone would find me in the morning dead. My crying got louder until I started to

pray. I walked up stairs and lay down on the bed continuing to pray over and over again, “GOD HELP ME, GOD HELP ME”, over and over, I don’t know how long I prayed. It may have been hours later and then fell asleep.

INT. 2am - morning in Stephen’s bedroom. Stephen is asleep. There is a brilliant light in his bedroom. Stephen is awakened.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I was suddenly awakened by a light in my room. I was laying with my stomach faced down. It must be behind me in my room. I thought it was God. I dare not turn around to look. I felt that I would be struck dead. Those were my exact thoughts. I could see the bright light in the corner of my room. I dare not move a muscle. And then something weird happened. I

heard the words of unconditional love from God, “I love you” and one more time “I love you”.

“John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son to die on the cross at Calvary.” The words broke my depression and voices in my head. I felt serine all over and at peace with myself. The words of the devil were gone. A few moments later I fell back asleep.

I awoke the next morning knowing I had a visitation with God. I knew I had to

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(con’t) to a meeting. The very next day I attended my first A.A. meetings on my own desire. For the next ninety days I attended meetings day and night. I grew stronger each day as I remained sober. My reason for going was to overcome my loneliness, but those meetings. I began to like my new found life and sobriety.

Each day I felt I was doing good. I was learning to like myself and help others. I stopped going to bars. I stopped cheating and lying and swearing. I also had to change my friends, who all used drugs or alcohol.

It was a month later while on a delivery that I met HER, Sharon. She was so beautiful. She was working at one of the Mexican restaurants as a waitress. I summoned all my nerve to talk to her but

it was she that asked me to go to church with her the following Sunday.

EXT./INT. MODESTO - CHURCH - MORNING Stephen sits in a pew. Next to him is new girlfriend SHARON, a striking young woman. The music plans and then stops. Out comes a dynamic preacher. He is holding the bible in one hand as he approaches the podium. Stephen and Sharon hold hands as they listen to the

sermon. Stephen is smiling ear to ear. Stephen’s long hair is gone. He looks clean cut and sober minded.

PASTOR In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'"

PASTOR walks back and forth across the altar. He is a young, dynamic speaker.

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PASTOR There are people sitting here who can begin a new life and start all over. Your guilt and pain can be washed away. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life”.

Stephen leans forward, He listens as if the Pastor is

talking only to him. The CHOIR sings "Amazing Grace." Chris Tomlin – Some people stand and walk forward to receive the invitation.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

A few months ago I was addicted to drugs and alcohol and sex. Sixty days later I was sober for the first time in my life. I had made it out of Vietnam alive. The

guilt was gone. So was the anxiety. My heart was pounding in my chest. My feet felt heavy. The message was intended for me. So, I stood up. So did Sharon. We both walked forward to meet the pastor.

Stephen and Sharon walk forward.

PASTOR (HE SAID) Welcome home. (HE HUGS THEM)

Ext. Int. Back to the interview with Jonathan. Jonathan is sitting leaning forward and writing.

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE)

I knew what those words finally meant. Someone cared about me enough to act upon their feelings. Sharon and I were married eight

months later and we had three sons who are the love of my life.

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The next nineteen years I attended church regularly. I was involved in a twelve step program and raised my children. I stayed sober. But, like a lot of Vietnam veterans I still hadn’t dealt with my war demons. I still had issues.

EXT./INT. BALTIMORE HOUSE – KITCHEN - DAY Stephen sits in the sunny room. He's 55 years old now

and a little heavier and greyer. Old age is creeping in. He talks on the telephone.

TITLE CARD 23 Years Later - 2005

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) Hey, Dyckes guess what? DYCKES (ON THE PHONE) Ah, you robbed the gold at Fort Knox!

STEPHEN Not, as dramatic. I moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Got divorced again.

DYCKES (ON PHONE)

You're going to have to give me your license plate, dude. That's the only way I can track you down.

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) I'm staying with my brother.

DYCKES (ON PHONE)

Glad someone took pity on your sorry butt.

STEPHEN Life’s still not the same without you and Yingst watching my back.

DYCKES (ON PHONE)

Speaking of Yingst. I finally tracked that boy down.

Stephen is pleasantly stunned.

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STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) Are you kidding? (EXCITED AND THEN HE FLASHES BACK TO THE MOMENT YINGST TURNED HIS BACK ON STEPHEN AND WOULDN’T SPEAK WITH HIM)

DYCKES (ON PHONE) Found his name on the Red Catcher web site on the internet. Apparently he is alive and well. He lives not far from you in Pennsylvania. Give him a call. His number is 717-254-0012. Let me know what he says.

INT. LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – A WEEK LATER A fire roars in the fireplace. Stephen sips a cup of coffee. He goes through a BASKET OF PHOTOGRAPHS. Of him and his buddies in Vietnam.

STEPHEN (V.O. EMOTIONAL)

I waited a week to make the call to him. I didn’t know how he would react or if he even felt the same as I did

about our friendship. I knew he was angry with me about me leaving. During that week I cried as I remembered everything that we went through in Nam, our brotherhood, our pain, and the feeling of what love for a brother should feel like, TRUST, RESPECT, FORGIVENESS,HONOR and A WILLINGNESS TO DIE, for each other. And now I was about to take a step of faith and call my buddy who was

extremely anger when I was transferred. I still recall the look on his face when I tried to talk to him.

Yingst turns and walks away after Stephen finds out he is transferring to another combat company. (V.O.)

I never had a chance to tell him how much his friendship meant to me. (HE CRIES)

Stephen pauses then dials the number and waits. A man answers the phone.

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) Ah, is Eric Yingst there?

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Eric Tiger Yingst is in his late fifties. He is bald now. His hair is black withy hair dye. He is still youthful looking, lean and in excellent shape.

YINGST (ON PHONE) Who wants to know?


Uh, my name is Stephen Campos. I was his combat buddy from in Vietnam.

A long silence. Stephen waits. YINGST (ON PHONE-EXCITED)

Cat, Stone Pony! Is that you? Damn! I can’t believe it! Where have you been? What are you doing? I missed you after you left. MAN! God, oh God almighty, thank you! (PAUSES) (RADIO TALK) Ah, this is Tiger-Zulu, I have you covered on my right flank. Got the enemy in my target. Ah, What’s you’re,

position, over!

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) (LAUGHS)

I’m living in Baltimore. Dyckes found your number on the web site. Ah, this is Cat, over.

TIGER (ON PHONE)

When you left the unit they started calling me Tiger. You can start calling me Tiger now, over.

(exuberant) Stone Pony, is it really you? Really! I can’t believe it! Man, it’s been a long time. Boy, I sure did get tired of you singing those Linda Ronstadt songs back in Nam! Ha Ha! Do you remember?

Tears roll down Stephen's face.

STEPHEN (V.O.- ON THE PHONE) That was a long time ago. It was just like I left. Our brotherhood was intact.

It made me feel proud to be called a soldier and a friend in combat.

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YINGST (ON PHONE-RADIO TALK) STONE PONY, what's your position, over? Where are you, BRO?


Right here in Baltimore, Maryland, over.

YINGST (ON PHONE) Well, good buddy, I live about an hour and half from you, in Harrisburg, PA. You need to come on over, over. We got to get together. We got some unfinished

business, yah, know, over.

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) Will do, Tiger-Zulu!

YINGST (ON PHONE) You do remember our covenant? The vow we made back 68, right? You do don’t you? OVER! That if we got back to the world, we'd reunite. Roger, I recall, over. Well,I got an idea. Every Memorial Day, there's a ceremony for the 199

th

Brigade at the Wall in D.C. I can arrange for us to be a part of that. It would be awesome and we can complete our destiny. DESTINY CALLS BROTHER!!, over.

STEPHEN (ON THE PHONE) That would be great. Can’t wait! Can’t wait, man.

YINGST (ON THE PHONE) One thing more, over.


What's that?

YINGST GOT to get Dyckes here. Got to complete the circle. Give him a call. (PAUSE) Also, we’re having a Vietnam celebration next month at the church. Can you make it, over?

STEPHEN

Ten-four, buddy, ten-four. I’ll be there. Nothing is going to stop me. You can count on me BROTHER, over.

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YINGST (EXCITED) Okay, Man, I can’t believe this is happening. We’re going to honor our vow. Wow! It’s been thirty-seven years. I can’t believe it! This is Tiger-Zulu, looking forward to our reunion.

STEPHEN (EMOTIONAL)

Me, too, Bro. Me, too.

YINGST This is Tiger-Zulu, over and out.

FLASHBACK - JUNGLE To the three combat buddies making their vow.

STEPHEN (V.O.) Tiger's friendship meant more to me than anything in this world. I felt the joy of our brotherhood all over again. It felt great to be a part of something greater than myself.

EXT. PENNSYLVANIA COUNTRYSIDE – DAY – NOVEMBER 2004 A car glides through the rolling green hills.

INT. CAR – SAME TIME Stephen and his girlfriend Katie, watch the countryside slip by. There are American flags on homes along the streets. In this area of the United States they are very

patriotic.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I was very emotional and excited about meeting Tiger. As Katie and I drove closer and closer I felt like a kid at Christmas. I never talked about Vietnam all these years. I was still angry about how I was treated by my friends when I came home. I was angry about the nation and media who portrayed us as loosing the war.

They were all wrong. We were winning on the battlefield. We were winning the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

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So, I withdrew and became silent and buried my emotions in alcohol and the party life.

EXT. HALIFAX, PENNSYLVANIA – CHURCH – LATER The car pulls up outside a small church. Stephen and Katie get out of the car and walk toward the entrance of the church.

A WOMAN greets him at the entrance.

JANE You must be Stefan.

STEPHRN (LOOKING AROUND FOR YINGST)

That's right. She hugs him.

JANE I'm Jane, Eric’s wife. Nice to meet

you. He had a lot to say about you.

STEPHEN This is my fiance, Katie.

JANE Pleased to meet you both. Welcome to our church.

STEPHEN (LOOKING AROUND)

Where's Eric?

JANE (POINTS) He's right behind that door, over there. He’s waiting for you.

INT. CHURCH – MOMENTS LATER Stephen walks to the doorway to the congregation. He looks and there he is. Yingst stands there, all decked out in a blue, full-dress Army uniform. Medals and all. Tiger looks slim. His head is bald with a dark hair die moustache. He looks fifty something, wow what a change!

YINGST (SMILING A BIG GRIN)

Hey, buddy. (arms open wide) Welcome home, Cat.

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Tiger gives Stephen a big hug. They stand there embracing and then take a long look at each other.

STEPHEN (EXCITED) I can't believe it, man, you look great, man!

YINGST So do you! WELCOME HOME COMRAD- Comanche commandos, bro! Always remain loyal. (he pounds his chest roman style)

Man, it's great to see you. You haven't changed much. When you left, I couldn't believe you were gone.

STEPHEN

I saw you, but you turned away.

YINGST Man, I was so upset you were leaving. I couldn't say a word. We are tight combat brothers and you and I will always remain friends. Nothin' absolutely nothing can

change that, ever. We'll talk more later. I've got a sermon to give. (Yingst makes his way to the front of the church)

INT. CHURCH SANCTUARY – LATER Stephen and Katie find a seat on the center aisle. Tiger walks up the aisle to the altar. He steps behind the podium. Tiger looks out over the congregation. He gazes down

at Stephen. YINGST (EMOTIONAL)

Today is a very important day for all of us here. We have come to honor our Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifices to our country. (PAUSES) And, this day is very special to me also, (PAUSES-holding back tears), BECAUSE, today not only do we honor Vietnam Veterans everywhere, but today I welcome home my best friend and combat

buddy Stephen Campos. (pause- he looks at Stephen)

Yingst looks at Stephen and pauses again.

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YINGST (GETS HIS COMPOSURE)

Thirty-seven years ago, I was only twenty years old. Stephen and I trained and fought together in the same combat unit. We sacrificed our youth and our lives as we carried our M-16s and bore the cross of war. We fought the elements and had to endure the hardships of a combat infantry soldier. Many of our combat brothers died

in our arms. Many were wounded and some even went crazy with fear. Most of us withheld our emotions and our fears. And then when we returned home we were called "baby killers". We were rejected by our friends and our government leaders betrayed us. SO WE BECAME SILENT. We INTERNALIZED our ANGER and tried to FORGET our service. Many of us fueled our self-destructive nature with alcohol and

drugs. It is only by the grace of God that we are here today. Just as Christ sacrificed his body, so we too sacrificed our lives.

Stephen gazes at Yingst and then looks up at the Crucifix behind the alter. Yingst turns to look where Stephen is looking. He turns back to the congregation and smiles.

YINGST (WITH PRIDE)

But, Today, is a day that we REMEMBER (PAUSE)and HONOR ALL Vietnam Veterans who sacrificed their lives for OUR freedom. SO, TODAY, we will make amends to those men and women and WELCOME them home as “HEROES”.

YINGST TAKES OUT A SCROLL NEXT TO THE PODUM AND READS IT.

My fellow combat brother, Stephen Campos, Staff Sergeant, United States Army, 5

th of

the 12th, 199

th Light Infantry, please

come forward. Yingst turns to the congregation and speaks

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YINGST This is a Vietnam veteran worthy of giving thanks for defending the constitution in a war we clearly won but were denied the rights of passage. Please stand together with me and honor them.

The entire congregation stands and applauds. The applaud gets louder and louder.

We honor you today and others for the sacrifices you made to our country. The rightful recognition you deserve for serving our country. “Welcome Home” brother!

Yingst hands Stephen a scroll and hugs him. The congregation continues to applaud. Stephen is overwhelmed with emotion. The weight of it all finally comes down and Stephen bursts into tears. It takes a moment, but he controls

his emotions and raises his right hand. YINGST

Would you like to say a word?

STEPHEN (TEARS STEEMIMNG DOWN HIS FACE)

All I can say is that I served with Yingst in combat. He is my best friend. I thought he was dead. (Pause) To God be the glory. This is the first time I've seen him in thirty-seven years.

Stephen walks down and takes a seat beside Katy.

BACK TO REPORTER'S CUBICLE – NIGHT The offices are empty. The NIGHT CREW cleans. Jonathan closes the last of three memo pads. It's been a long day.

JONATHAN What happened to Dyckes after the war?

STEPHEN (ON PHONE) He spent 15 years as a commercial fisherman in Alaska. He isolated himself from everyone. He never got married. I

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(con’t) don’t think we ever realized what an affect the war had on him. We talked from time to time. He is still a warrior and enjoying the fruits of his labor out with the wild beasts. He likes that kind of life living with the elements. Just like in Nam, but, I think he tried to bury the hurt of war also. We all did.

EXT./INT. BALTIMORE – HOUSE – KITCHEN – SAME TIME

Stephen stands alone almost in tears as he recalls the events.

JONATHAN (ON PHONE) Ok, that is it for now. It must be hard recalling those events?

STEPHEN I guess it’s finally time to come out of denial and accept my role in this war. Where and when shall we meet?

JONATHAN (ON PHONE) We will see you next Sunday May 30

th. at

noon, next to the statue of the three Soldiers, across from the Vietnam Wall Memorial on Sunday. Is that okay with you? STEPHEN Ok, that will be fine. See you then.

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. - DULLES AIRPORT - DAY Planes arrive and depart. Cars arrive and depart. PEOPLE arrive and depart, each on their own journey.

TITLE CARD Int. The Sunday before Memorial Day, May 30

th. 2005

Marble, museums, and monuments. The physical scrapbook of our history as an independent nation. It is MEMORIAL DAY in our nation's capital. A time for honoring those who gave the ultimate in service to their country.

EX. NATIONAL MALL – SAME TIME

The Mall is the heart of the capital and the United States.

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The Washington Monument. The Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Memorials. And the monuments to veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. It is here we celebrate, honor, and demonstrate our commitment to democracy.

EXT. WASHINGTON, D.C. – CONSTITUTION GARDENS – SAME TIME Stephen, Tiger, and Dyckes walk toward the VIETNAM STATUE and MEMORIAL. All three wear their Army jungle

fatigues and medals.

STEPHEN (V.O.) I remained in my faith and sobriety all those years, but knew this would be an emotional trip. But, I was proud to be reunited with my best friends, friends I had trusted with my life. Friends that were true indeed. I put my on my army fatigues and medals. I had purchased them earlier at a army/navy store. It felt great to wear my

uniform once again. And we were all together once again as we were in our youth. At that moment I felt the eyes of everyone were upon us. It felt like we had walked directly from the jungles of Vietnam to share with the world our story of survival and bravery. I finally felt proud that I had SERVED for my country and that I came here to represent ALL Vietnam Veterans for their

service and duty to our country.

EXT. VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL – SAME TIME- THE THREE ENTER THE VIETNAM MEMORIAL A stunning tribute to those who died in Vietnam. A place of healing.

The architect described the Wall as a kind of ocean; a sea of sacrifice that is overwhelming and nearly incomprehensible in the sweep of names.

EXT. THE THREE SOLDIERS – SAME TIME

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A BRONZE STATUE of three young men, armed and dressed in battle fatigues. A Caucasian, an African-American, and an Hispanic. Of it, the sculptor said: "There is about them the physical contact and sense of unity that bespeaks the bonds of love and sacrifice that is the nature of men at war. And yet they are each alone."

The three soldiers look on in solemn tribute at the names of their fallen comrades. They stand on the shore of that sea of names, gazing upon it, standing

vigil before it, reflecting the human face of it, the human heart. Stephen, Yingst, and Dyckes stop at the foot of the statue. MEMORIAL DAY celebrants swirl around the three men, but the three comrades seem lost in their own world and time. Jonathan steps up and offers his hand to Stephen.

JONATHAN

You must be Stephen Campos. I'm Jonathan. Nice to meet you.

Stephen shakes his hand and smiles.

STEPHEN This is Dyckes and this is Tiger.

JONATHAN Nice to meet you both. I'm going to be doing a story on you. This is a big event for you and I'm here to

tell your story to the media. It'll be on the front page of the Memorial Day edition back in your home town, Stephen.

STEPHEN

I'm proud and humbled that someone wants to hear our story after all these years. Our story about the real war in Vietnam.

The three combat veterans look up at the three Vietnam soldiers etched in bronze.

DYCKES Wow, that could have been us.

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YINGST Only fitting that we're standing next to these young soldiers.

Jonathan looks at the faces of the bronze soldiers and then back at the real soldiers.

STEPHEN (V.O.) They were as real to us as any of the men we had fought beside. Looking in their faces, I could see the terror in their eyes. Their youth and their bravery. It

felt like Dejá vu. That was us. Thirty-seven years ago, bonding in the jungles.

JONATHAN Do you mind if I record you while you talk?

STEPHEN

Go ahead.

YINGST We were young once like those three soldiers. We wore the same fatigues and

carried the same weapons. Our hearts were filled with fear and pride. We were trained well and trained to win. And win we did.

PEOPLE begin gathering around the men and the reporter as they tell their story.

YINGST (PROUD) There's an entire generation of people who lost their way over the protests in Vietnam. And there's another generation

or two since then that were too young to remember it.

DYCKES (ANGRY) The questions they ask us are still bein' asked today. Why were we in Vietnam?

YINGST (ANGRY) And our answer now, like then, is the same. Because our government asked us to help a people, the Vietnamese people, fight communism.

STEPHEN

We fought while the rest of America said, "We want out!" I fought not only

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for my country, but for my comrades and simply to stay alive.

YINGST It's time to tell America that there are still a few of us who believe in the faith of our Founding Fathers. "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

DYCKES

No one knew the real truth and no one cared. I became like them after I had served. I wanted to forget about it. I guess I have been running away from wanted to accept my role in this war.

YINGST Men were called to duty from all over the United States. From California to New York, Alaska to Texas.

Some of us were drafted and others enlisted. We answered the higher call of

duty to fight like our forefathers did for free men, women, and children everywhere.

DYCKES

We were afraid, but we never backed down. We fought with heroism and won respect in each other's eyes. We watched our buddies die and get wounded, but we never quit. Day after day and night after night, we stayed together, obeyin' orders that would save our lives.

STEPHEN

We fought for each other and the United States of America, so our children and your children could live in freedom.

More PEOPLE gather. Some start taking pictures.

DYCKES We want the American public to understand the way we were treated when we came back home. We were called "baby killers." Many of our fellow combat

brothers did not come home alive and they did not die in vain.

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YINGST Now, we have come to honor our vow and our brothers who fought beside us and who gave their lives for this country.

STEPHEN Some were married. Some had children. Many were teenagers just out of high school or college. We have come to the Wall to honor them. We owe them our lives.

YINGST And our thanks. They left us way too soon. But, God needed them in His kingdom. They are in a land now with no pain. We hope to see them again, some day.

DYCKES

We're thankful we knew them. Our hearts go out to their parents and loved ones who still feel their sorrow. Their spirits remain in our memory.

As the three men talk, the sun shines directly on their faces, like a beam of light warming their souls.

STEPHEN (V.O.) It felt like God had chosen that moment for us to be there and to share His love and blessing upon the three of us. His love had protected us in war and, now, we were together again.

Stephen, Yingst and Dyckes finish and turn to face the Wall.

They each take a deep breath and walk slowly and deliberately toward the monument to their dead comrades.

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL WALL The black wall seems to extend for an eternity. The names of 58,249 men and women are etched on black granite panels in chronological order, from the first to the last. Names are still added as remains are returned home.

Stephen, Yingst, and Dyckes step onto the path that runs beside the Wall.

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Jonathan follows them, recording everything. Tiger Jr. continues to snap pictures. Stephen tries not to look too long or to read the names as he walks past the black panels and seemingly endless rows of names. The Wall has an eerie effect. It reflects light. If you look for a name, you see your own reflection looking back at you.

STEPHEN (V.O.)

Your name is not on that Wall, yet you become part of it. You see your image, alive and well, as you stare at the names of those who died alongside you. Those who died for you. I call this a place of sorrow. It is Holy Ground.

Stephen slows, scanning the dates at the top of the black panels.

JONATHAN Who are you looking for?

STEPHEN There were two guys, David Rollins and Michael Young. Peter Harris was also killed in action. They were the first men killed in action from our unit and Harris was killed later. I carried his body two miles over rough terrain back to the CP.

DYCKES

We hadn't been in country more than three weeks.

YINGST Rollins and Young’s names are etched close together. They died the very same day.

The three men stop at the first of the panels for the year 1968. They stand in SILENCE as they look for the names imprinted on the black slate. Stephen catches his breath. He hesitates. His eyes well up. He reaches out to touch a name.

STEPHEN

Peter Harris was killed around September 1968. He and I had been transferred together from the 5

th

of the 12th to the 4

th of the 12

th.

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(con’t) He was a grenade launcher who was asked to walk point. His weapon jammed.

DYCKES (EMOTIONAL)

I found them. Stephen and Yingst join Dyckes. The three men kneel. Dyckes runs his fingers over the names. Scrolling back and forth, back and forth.

The sound of THREE HEARTBEATS echo across the Mall.

JONATHAN What are you feeling right now?

DYCKES (VOICE TREMBLES)

No one knows the truth about what happened that day. And They have no concept what it was like.

Dyckes puts his arms over his face and begins to WEEP.

Stefan places his hand on Dyckes shoulder.

STEPHEN (TRYING TO CONSOL HIS BUDDY)

It's okay, man. It's okay.

DYCKES (TURNS THEN HE TRYIES TO CONTROL HIMSELF)

I can't help it, Cat. I can't hold it back any longer.

Stephen tries to be brave, but his lips quiver. He speaks to Stan, but he's addressing all those who are listening.

YINGST People are free today and alive because of brave men like David, Michael, Peter, and tens of thousands of others like them who gave their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, to protect ours.

DYCKES The deaths of every person on this wall

changed America, and I believe America is a stronger nation because of their sacrifices.

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YINGST

We were a real green unit. Nearly all of us had been in Vietnam just over two weeks. David and Michael lost their lives due to our lack of combat experience. After their deaths, headquarters shuffled our units so each company had more experienced soldiers alongside the inexperienced ones.

There is no doubt their deaths helped keep battle mistakes like that from ever happenin' again.

STEPHEN

It's taken our government years to figure out that their lives mattered and were sacrificed for a reason. Our country is better off since Vietnam.

DYCKES The public, our leaders, even the media support the troops. There is pride and

honor within our military. Men and women in the armed forces who have served and are serving are feared and respected throughout the world.

YINGST (FILLED WITH TEARS)

We Vietnam veterans had a duty to perform, a responsibility under oath to our President and our nation. Freedom doesn't come easy. I can say with pride that we fulfilled our mission!

DYCKES

It was odd, but just before Michael was killed, I took some pictures of him. I don't remember why I took these, but here we are, and here is his name on the wall.(HE SITS THE PICTURE OF MICHAEL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WALL) It’s time to say good-bye.

Dyckes removes the PICTURES from his breast pocket and places them at the base of the Wall.

Tiger reaches out and touches the names. He looks at his buddies and nods for them to do the same. They do.

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The three men kneel there, hands touching, fingers against the slate where their fallen comrades will be remembered for eternity.

DYCKES (EMOTIONAL) I have to admit that I am still angry about this war. But, today I will face my anger and try to heal. I am tired of running.

YINGST (EMOTIONAL)

Today, we acknowledge that we made a

difference. No matter what happened before I AM PROUD that I served. AND I would do it all over again.

STEPHEN (EMOTIONAL) (PAUSE)

It has taken me thirty-seven years to say this, but I will here and now. I am thankful to be called a grunt, a G.I., an American soldier, for I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran.

Yingst stands. He helps Stephen to his feet, who helps Dyckes up.

YINGST

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

DYCKES

Let the healing begin.

The three men put their arms around each other's shoulders, forming an unbroken circle.

CAMERA MOVES INTO THE REFLECTION IN THE GRANITE WALL The same three young men stand in the jungles of Vietnam in combat attire and holding their M-16 rifles. They are trapped in time as they were in 1968. They see and hear the new message then look at each other and smile.

STEPHEN (AGE 19) We can join them now. We don’t have hide behind this wall any longer. (the men step through the wall into the present time)

THE END

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RADIO In the distance is the sound of a broken radio communication.

YINGST (OVER RADIO)

Uh, Stone Pony, this is Tiger-Zulu, over. What's your position, over?

STEPHEN (OVER RADIO)

Uh, Roger that, Tiger-Zulu. This is Stone Pony, over. I'm one-

zero-zero Mike to your flank. I got your back covered, over. DYCKES Cat and Yingst, Ah this is Team Leader Comanche 3, over, Ah, I’ll be back, one way or another, Bro’s ! men, Lock and Load I’m, exiting the compound! Ha! Ha!

YINGST

Roger that, over. TEAM LEADER 3 keep your head down, your ammo

dry, and your rifle clean. This is Tiger-Zulu, over and out.

TITLE CARD The Hanoi government revealed on April 4 1995 that the true civilian casualties of the Vietnam War were 2 million in the north, and 2 million in the South. Military casualties were 1.1 million killed and 600,000 wounded in 21 years of war. These figures were deliberately falsified during the war by the North Vietnamese Communists to avoid demoralizing the

population.

FADE OUT.

THE END

charlie doesn't live here anymore...if they make it out alive, they vow to reunite. they...

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