Billy Boy Watkins Character Analysis in Going After Cacciato

An American soldier in the Vietnam War, whose foot is blown off by a land mine, and later dies of a heart attack brought on by his own fear. Although Billy Boy Watkins has a very small role in the book, his death is a milestone event for the other soldiers, especially Paul Berlin, in part because it proves that a soldier’s greatest enemy is his own fear.

Billy Boy Watkins Character Timeline in Going After Cacciato

The timeline below shows where the character Billy Boy Watkins appears in Going After Cacciato. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

The chapter begins, “it was a bad time.” A man named Billy Boy Watkins has died of fright in the middle of a battle, as have several others:... (full context)

...others not to burn down a village. He was also the soldier who wrote to Billy Boy ’s parents after Billy Boy’s death of “fright.” (full context)

...with Sarkin. Berlin overhears Doc telling Captain Rhallon “the ultimate war story”—the story of how Billy Boy Watkins died. Berlin feels sick, and tunes out Doc’s words. Sarkin points out the obvious... (full context)

Berlin thinks about the death of Billy Boy Watkins, which has happened only a few days ago. Doc Peret—who isn’t Berlin’s friend yet—confirms... (full context)

Paul Berlin tries to concentrate on forgetting the details of Billy Boy ’s death, but the harder he tries, the more difficult it becomes. He tells himself... (full context)

Berlin continues laughing, and as he laughs, he remembers the day that Billy Boy died. The men were sitting around, drinking soda and fooling around with their guns, shooting... (full context)

Berlin continues to remember Billy Boy ’s death. After losing his foot, Billy Boy felt a sudden rush of pain. Billy... (full context)

As the incident of Billy Boy ’s death ends, the soldiers resume their business. Eddie sings humorous songs about Billy Boy,... (full context)

It is 4:30 AM. Berlin sits, keeping watch and thinking about Billy Boy . He decides that there’s nothing especially interesting or important about the fact that Billy... (full context)