I just wanted to point out that this isn't from a short story. It is a chapter of a book by Tim O'Brien entitled "The Things They Carried". Rat was in the same unit as the author (O'Brien) and told him the story as he apparently witnessed it. O'Brien doesn't go as far as to say this is a true story, but does indicate that Rat, who told it to him believes it to be true. Further more he makes a point of explaining that Rat gets very upset when the others in the unit don't believe him. Whether the story is true or not, the book and the movie are both well done and give an interesting and some what unusual take on the Vietnam War.
Review of A Soldier's Sweetheart
A Soldier's Sweetheart
(1998 TV Movie)
A Medic brings his girlfriend to Vietnam from the US
2 March 2006