Captain Carson sits in the hospital and thinks about how he survives the pain. He reflects on how he has grown to enjoy killing while fighting in Korea. Back in World War II, Carson also recalls how he had a sergeant whom he despised. The sergeant, a Bronx Irishman, had ordered Carson around in a passive aggressive manner that made Carson want to gun him down. Nonetheless, partnering with the sergeant during his campaigns trained Carson into a real soldier.  Major Kimmel comes to visit Carson in the hospital. He asks Carson why he merely listens silently and never “asks about his case." The major relays the news that Carson has a degenerative condition and that he may have about a year left to live. The two men smoke together as Carson feels like death already.  The major clears his throat and continues to speak, telling Carson that a lobotomy is an option. Carson broods more about the past and the survivors of the Korean war who went through living hell. Finally, when Carson is discharged from the hospital, Major Kimmel meets with him with a congratulations. Major Kimmel tells Carson that he respects his decision to reject the lobotomy and Carson replies that he can handle the pain from now on.