The Lost Patrol

The sergeant leads the patrol with grim resolve, trying to navigate a mission he was never told and a landscape that will not yield. He keeps the men moving, improvising under heat and uncertainty. In the end he uses the captured plane's machine gun to fend off attackers, standing over the graves of his fallen comrades.

A religious fanatic among the patrol, his zeal intensifies under siege and borders on dangerous rigidity. He vacillates between prayer and paranoia as fear and heat gnaw at him. His unraveling exposes how belief can both sustain and destabilize a group in extreme conditions.

A practical, steady presence who helps maintain order as the group battles fear and fatigue. He faces the mystery of their undefined mission and the uncertainty of support from above. His calm demeanor serves as a counterpoint to the growing panic around him.

A veteran voice among the patrol, offering warnings and hard-won wisdom as the siege wears on. He weighs survival against duty and the costs of hesitation. His experience underscores the tension between pragmatism and hope.

Brave and sometimes impulsive, Morelli acts to aid others even at personal risk. He tries to save Sanders during a critical moment but is unable, joining the mounting casualties of the siege.

Suffering from heat exhaustion, he struggles to distinguish reality from illusion. He spots a mirage and wanders toward danger, highlighting how the body’s limits distort perception in extreme conditions.

A steady, loyal member of the patrol who endures the escalating siege with quiet resolve. He participates in the group’s grim rituals and attempts to maintain morale as hope wanes.

The group cook who keeps routine and morale ticking, offering practical support amid the chaos. His role underscores the small comforts that sustain men under stress.

A fellow soldier who contributes to the group’s dynamics with a practical, observational presence. He stays part of the patrol’s core as danger increases.

An additional soldier whose presence reflects the patrol’s broader composition. He observes the siege and remains part of the group’s shrinking circle of survivors.

The pilot who spots the survivors and attempts a landing to offer aid, only to be killed despite warnings. His action underscores the peril of rescue attempts in hostile territory.

A member of the patrol who endures the ordeal with quiet, steadfast resolve. He remains with the group as the situation deteriorates toward its grim conclusion.