- A wounded soldier being treated at the 4077th provides a narrative through his eyes.
- Private Rich is wounded and evacuated by chopper to the 4077; the entire episode is shot through his eyes. From the 4077 chopper pad, to triage, the O.R. and finally into recovery, Rich gets to meet the M*A*S*H personnel at their very best...and Colonel Potter is in a terrible mood. Radar, B.J. and Klinger carry his litter (Rich is a big fella) and he is brought in for surgery. Everyone, Chuckles included, bickers, banters and takes very good care of Rich. Klinger takes Rich for a wheelchair tour; Rich has a sponge bath from Margaret: he gets the full 4077 treatment. Col. Potter, who received his medical training at Fort Sam Houston, recognizes Rich as a Texan: Potter says a Texan always offers to shake hands, no matter how many tubes are coming out of his arm. Although Rich has a throat injury and cannot speak, he still finds a way to impact the lives of his surgeon, Hawkeye, and Colonel Potter. When his litter is lifted into the bus that will take him to Tokyo, B.J., Hawkeye and Potter are there to say goodbye and wish him well: Rich will be going home soon. As the bus pulls away from the 4077, Pvt. Rich can see the three wise doctors waving to him from outside the bus rear window. From any vantage point, Rich is a very lucky man.—LA-Lawyer
- Private Rich found himself in a dire situation when his platoon was ambushed by mortar fire during a patrol. The ensuing chaos resulted in Rich being struck by shrapnel, leaving him wounded and in need of immediate medical attention. Fortunately, his platoon's medic quickly administered basic first aid before arranging for Rich's evacuation by helicopter to the renowned 4077th MAS*H unit. The subsequent events unfolded through Rich's perspective, capturing the extraordinary care he received from the dedicated personnel.
Upon arriving at the 4077th chopper pad, Rich was swiftly taken to the triage area, where the experienced Hawkeye carefully assessed his condition. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Hawkeye decided to remove the shrapnel and inserted a breathing tube to alleviate Rich's respiratory distress. Hawkeye assured him that his voice would return once the swelling subsided. The compassionate atmosphere extended throughout the entire journey, from the operating room, where Klinger skillfully conducted the necessary x-rays, to the recovery room.
Throughout his time at the MAS*H unit, Rich was fortunate to witness the team's exemplary camaraderie and professionalism. However, the usually composed Colonel Potter seemed to be in an unusually foul mood, directing his frustration at Radar's perceived sluggishness and Klinger's choice of attire. Despite the temporary tensions, Rich received exceptional care from the tireless efforts of Radar, B.J., and Klinger, who worked together to transport him for surgery.
In the midst of the bustling MAS*H unit, the personnel continued to attend to Rich's every need while engaging in friendly banter and playful disagreements. Even Chuckles, known for his humorous antics, played a part in providing comfort to Rich. After receiving Hawkeye's approval to move around, Rich enjoyed a wheelchair tour, escorted by Klinger, who was determined to ensure Rich experienced the full 4077th treatment. Margaret, with her gentle touch, offered Rich a soothing sponge bath, employing a technique that prevented him from realizing he was being bathed. Colonel Potter, who had received his medical training at Fort Sam Houston, recognized Rich's Texan roots. In a light-hearted moment, he mentioned how Texans always extended a handshake, regardless of the number of tubes protruding from their arm. Despite his inability to speak due to a fractured larynx that required a complex double surgery, Rich managed to profoundly impact the lives of his surgeon, Hawkeye, and Colonel Potter.
When Rich's voice failed to return after several days in post-op, Hawkeye made the decision to perform a second operation. This procedure ultimately allowed Rich to regain his ability to speak, albeit slowly. With his recovery progressing well, Rich prepared to return home. As his litter was lifted onto the bus that would transport him to Tokyo, he bid farewell to B.J., Hawkeye, and Colonel Potter, who had been there every step of the way to offer support and good wishes. Colonel Potter confided in Rich, revealing that his recent irritability had been due to his forgetfulness regarding his wedding anniversary, leaving him burdened with guilt. Rich managed to communicate this to Hawkeye, who, in turn, devised a plan to alleviate the colonel's remorse.
Radar, always resourceful, facilitated a call between Potter and Mildred. As the bus gradually pulled away from the 4077th, Rich glimpsed the three wise doctors standing outside, bidding him farewell with heartfelt waves. From any perspective, it was evident that Rich considered himself an incredibly fortunate man, having been the recipient of such exceptional care and compassion at the MAS*H unit.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content