The Literary Mystery of Catch-22's Hero
"Finito" was how Lt. Fish opened and closed the entry for his 60th mission. With the mission limit was set at 60, this should have been his last. However, later that month the mission limit was again increased by 5, making Fish weary he'd ever be allowed to go home, and leading him to seek alternative ways out. Read full post by clicking image above.
Knowing the risks that would be faced over Bologna, Yossarian takes every effort he can think of to avoid having to fly there. Similarly, Lt. Fish also found a way to avoid the Bologna missions. Click on image to read this post.
Avignon is described as "the mission on which Yossarian lost his nerve." Lieutenants Heller and Fish flew in the same formation on August 15, 1944 on a mission to Avignon that prompted Heller to later state "after Avignon, all I wanted to do was go home." Click on picture for to read further.
Three key missions are used in Catch-22 to plot Yossarian's journey as he morphs from gung-ho soldier to realizing his officers may never let him leave and actively seeking another way out. The Ferrara missions are during the time when Yossarian fully dedicates himself to carrying out the military's objectives. Click image to read more.
"This outstanding achievement, made possible by unsurpassed teamwork which combined exceptional planning with indomitable courage, flying skill and precision bombing, completely frustrated the enemy in his attempt to block the entrance of this strategic harbor and naval base." (340th Bombardment Group Unit Citation, Dec. 27, 1944) Click image to read more...
Yossarian Lived! 