The Long Way Home

During his tour of duty in Vietnam Billy (Georgia Boy) Ricks becomes an American hero. Not only does he save his Recon Marine squad from annihilation but later Billy saves his Lieutenant from an attack by a disgruntled Black soldier in the aftermath of the Martin Luther King murder. When he returns to his family however Billy is not met with yellow ribbons tied around oak trees but the harsh reality of unemployment. He overcomes lingering personal problems then climbs the corporate ladder. Unable to deal with success while battling PTDS Billy falls into drugs despair and homelessness. He rises from the ashes when a traffic accident reunites him with his lieutenant who repays his debt.