Private Meadows is part of a unit travelling south in France, but he manages to get separated from the rest. Lost, he encounters a man in the bushes - initially supposing it to be a German trap, Meadows is certain he is going to die - but the stranger turns out to be a fellow American soldier who doesn't seem particularly concerned about fighting for any side except his own. The two men come across a German soldier carrying a briefcase full of money. The other man holds him at gunpoint while Meadows, having gotten used to following orders, rifles through the money obediently. Just when the German thinks he will be released safely, Meadows' new companion shoots him. They come across goats in a field and make a bet, shooting at the same time. Having gotten a taste for it, the man shoots another goat as well. In time, the see men parachuting down from the sky, and without waiting to ascertain which colours they wear, Meadows finds himself obeying the command to shoot them down. Eventually they are reunited with their companies, although Meadows sees his companion slipping off into the woods by himself. He is reminded of a dream that he had as a child - of being late to school, and finding himself unable to make it no matter how hard he tries. His unit welcomes him back with relief, and they joke around while mentioning that a few men got caught in the fire. Meadows is frozen in fear, thinking about the parachuter he shot. His friends, Harrod and Barr, tell him it's time to go get their food, and they wait for him to get up and join them.