Five hours after Tillman’s death, a master sergeant and Army chaplain find Marie at work and tell her that her husband has been killed by a gunshot to the head during an ambush. Preternaturally calm, Marie calls his family to make sure Dannie won’t be alone when the Army comes to her door to give her the news. Marie stays composed, worrying about Kevin, Tillman’s parents, and everyone but herself. Kevin, meanwhile, asks his commander to ensure revenge against whoever’s responsible for Tillman’s death. He assures him they will pay for their actions, the first of many lies told to Tillman’s family.

When Rangers from a different platoon arrive to provide support, they find Tillman’s brain still sitting on the ridge. They put it in a bag to be shipped to the US, but it’s never seen again. After speaking to Tillman’s platoon, the Rangers realize his death is due to friendly fire and call an investigation. Captain Richard Scott is appointed to conduct it, an odd choice for the job: “Although a highly regarded officer, Scott was a mere captain, and under the direct command of Hodne, the very man whose order to split Uthlaut’s platoon culminated in Tillman’s death” (334).