Heros Departure

Originally Aired: December 18, 1960 Gunsmoke #454, "Heros Departure," begins with Chester excitedly telling Marshal Dillon about meeting Jonathan Wood, a war hero who's become the toast of Dodge City. Wood claims he single-handedly saved his company during the Battle of the Hogback by manning a Gatling gun while his comrades retreated. Everyone in town, from Moss at the livery to Doc Adams, is eager to shake the brave soldier's hand, and Wood is considering settling near Dodge. Even Kitty is charmed by the modest hero, though Matt remains somewhat reserved about the adulation. The situation takes a dark turn when a young man named Jake Rowe arrives in town with a very different version of events. Rowe confronts Marshal Dillon, claiming that Wood is actually a coward and a liar whose actions led directly to the death of Rowe's father, Jed. According to Jake, Wood panicked and ran during the battle, and it was Jed Rowe who truly held the line while covering the retreat. When Dillon explains he can't legally run Wood out of town for telling stories, Jake makes it clear he intends to handle the matter himself, setting up a dangerous confrontation between the celebrated hero and the vengeful son.