Sidney Rice as he embarks on his journey to France aboard a French liner filled with other volunteers, referred to as "crusaders." It sets the tone of anticipation and seriousness as Rice reflects on his motivations to join the war effort, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to help. He begins to form connections with fellow passengers, hinting at friendships that will be important throughout his experiences. This initial section paints a vivid picture of the spirit of adventure and the emotional weight carried by those leaving their homes for the daunting and destructive landscapes of the battlefield. As the narrative unfolds, the readers can sense the compassion, fear, and camaraderie that define the life of an ambulance driver in a war-torn France. (This is an automatically generated summary.)