The squad goes on patrol and engages in a firefight. Why does Richie’s gun fail to fire? Why does Richie notice about the dead enemy?

Perry's gun doesn't go off, because, as Lieutenant Carroll gently observes, Perry failed to put in a new clip of ammunition. When they return to the base area, Perry watches the news crew photographing the dead Viet Cong and comments that the man is the same size as his younger brother Kenny.