Captain America #163 features Steve Rogers and his former love interest, Peggy Carter, walking in the woods near her family's Virginia estate. Along the walk, they meet a Vietnam vet named Dave Cox, a former POW who lost his arm in the war, who said he's become a conscientious objector after what he's seen. When the Serpent Squad attacks, Cap and Peggy take refuge in Dave's home. Peggy tells Dave to use his rifle to help, but Dave says he won't resort to violence again and that the gun isn't even loaded. He just keeps it as a reminder of what he was. The Squad breaks through and demands Dave tell them where Cap is hiding. But Dave refuses, even when being tormented by them, which allows Cap to get the drop on them. After the Squad has been defeated, Peggy says she can't understand why Dave wouldn't break. Cap explains to her that just because he's a conscientious objector, that doesn't make him a coward.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
