Daniel Pierce. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he was always worried about his son, Benjamin Franklin Pierce – Hawkeye. Sometimes it was at the front of his mind. While he knew that Hawkeye was stationed at a M*A*S*H, a non-combat zone, he couldn't help but worry. It was a war. Anything could happen in a war. Then there were the times that Hawkeye had to go to the front to treat wounded, or to an aid station. So Daniel Pierce couldn't help but worry about his son. Hawkeye was all he had left after his wife had died. But life went on. He had his practice to keep him busy. And the whole town of Crab Apple Cove knew about Daniel's son, serving in Korea. Crab Apple Cove was a small town and everyone was gathered behind Daniel in support, waiting for Hawkeye to come home.

It was a Saturday night, and Daniel Pierce was at the Town Hall. The whole town was gathered, come out to support their local fire department. They were all having a good time, when someone tapped Daniel on the shoulder.

"Telegram for you Daniel." They said, handing it to him. "It just came in. Marked urgent." Daniel looked down at it, and recognized the official Army seal on it. He stared at it for a moment, afraid to open it. What if something had happened to Hawkeye…? Daniel drew in a deep breath, summoning up the courage to read it. With shaking hands, he opened it, and turned it over. It read

"To Daniel Pierce:

We regret to inform you that on November 15, 1952, Captain Benjamin Franklin Pierce, US12836413, was fatally wounded in the line of duty STOP The Army sends their regrets and thanks you for your son's service STOP"

Daniel sat there in his chair, unbelieving. He stared at the paper in his hand. It couldn't be. His son… Daniel seemed to sink within himself, tears starting to run down his cheeks. He buried his face in his hands.

"Daniel?" One of his friends came up to him, gently taking the paper from him. "You ok? What's wrong?" Daniel forced himself to look up.

"Hawkeye… My son…" was all he managed to get out past the huge lump in his throat. His friend looked down and read the telegram.

"My God… Daniel I'm so sorry…" Daniel just shook his head.

"I don't even know what happened…" Daniel drew in a deep breath, trying to control himself, but he just fell apart again, burying his face in his hands. By now, the whole Fire Hall knew that Daniel Pierce had lost his son. That Benjamin Franklin Hawkeye Pierce had been killed in Korea.