BJ Deming

In South Vietnam’s Central Highlands, a traditional Buddhist monk finds a wounded American soldier.

Should the monk risk helping the badly wounded GI or should he save himself by turning the soldier over to the local Communists? Complicating the picture is the presence of nine-year-old Vo, a Down syndrome child who is the monk’s ward.

When the monk decides to help the injured man, he must then lead the child and the soldier through the jungle, knowing that his choice may get him executed and his monastery and village ruined. Even if they get away, he and his ward must leave their homeland forever.

During the escape, with the North Vietnamese officer in close pursuit, the GI collapses and can go no further. As night falls, the monk finally realizes how to save them all.