Jesus

When Goodyhay lies underwater during the invasion of a Japanese-held island in the Pacific, he has a vision: "there He was standing over me, looking just like any other shavetail [a newly commissioned lieutenant] just out of a foxhole, maybe a little older, except he didn't have a hat, bucket [helmet] . . . smoking a cigarette" (308). "He" is always capitalized, and although "He" is not given a name in this passage, there's no doubt "He" is Jesus; after telling this story in his church - clearly, the foundational story of his church - Goodyhay prays "Save us, Christ" (311). "He" is an unconventional Jesus, of course, and strangely seems to know military slang from World War I better than World War II, having to ask Goodyhay if Marines still call the sergeant "the Top Soldier" (309). But "He" gives Goodyhay "three times" to deny Him, then orders him to save the Marine who lies under the water with him.