We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Character Analysis

Turner is another unlucky dude who dies during his first patrol with Perry's platoon. His moment is when Gearhart accidentally sends up a flare, giving away their position.

Unlike Jenkins, we don't get to know Turner at all. He's basically anonymous. The whole platoon decides to keep him that way: they didn't get a chance to get to know him as a person, so they don't really try to mourn him, either. When he dies, "We turned away from him, tried to shut him out of our minds." (13.138)

Call it cold, or call it survival. For the platoon, not knowing the guy means they don't have to experience a real loss. Which, in a way, is kind of a loss in itself.