A Rumor of War

A Rumor of War

by

Philip Caputo

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LZ Term Analysis

Landing zone.
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LZ Term Timeline in A Rumor of War

The timeline below shows where the term LZ appears in A Rumor of War. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter Five
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
War and Disillusionment Theme Icon
...their weapons. Caputo is nervous about making a stupid mistake when the platoon hits the LZ. He has been entertaining himself with fantasies of his personal heroics, but he also worries... (full context)
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...by galleries of bamboo jungle.” This scene gives way to “creased and yellow foothills.” The LZ comes up ahead—“a circle of brightness in the gloom of the jungle.” (full context)
Chapter Seven
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...the south. They are airborne for less than ten minutes before they head toward the LZ. A few bullets ring out—enough to make the soldiers worry, due to being trapped in... (full context)
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
War and Disillusionment Theme Icon
...move up the ridge. Sergeant Johnson’s mortar crew runs out into the middle of the LZ and sets up a tube to hit the VC with mortars. Peterson orders Caputo’s and... (full context)
Chapter Nine
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Loyalty and Camaraderie Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...At the same time, the marines were rocketed by friendly fire. Evacuating casualties from the LZ presented another problem because it was under heavy enemy machine-gun fire, making it impossible for... (full context)
Chapter Ten
The Morality of War Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
War and Disillusionment Theme Icon
...him toward the corpses. The general glances at them, then he continues on to the LZ, where his helicopter awaits. Caputo spends the rest of the afternoon doing menial paperwork. (full context)
Chapter Sixteen
Heroism and Identity Theme Icon
Loyalty and Camaraderie Theme Icon
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...attention—he is in danger of drowning in his own blood. Caputo carries him to the LZ. Caputo then carries Corporal Greeley, whose left arm was torn off, to safety while radioing... (full context)
Chapter Seventeen
Danger and Uncertainty Theme Icon
...“muffled popping of small-arms fire” and sees puffs of smoke. A helicopter assault in the LZ is always cause for concern, due to a total sense of helplessness in the enclosed... (full context)