Achilles shows how close he is to Patroclus when he dies. They were so close that they were like brothers, Achilles is at first filled with pain and tries to cut his own throat, but is stopped just in time, and turns that pain into anger and avenges his friend. Modern day soldiers are the same when they are in a state of anger and stress, they need someone to lean on. Wounded soldiers needed the comfort of a friend most when their time was almost up. The doctors would be that character to comfort and be there, just like Patroclus was always there for Achilles. Ancient Greeks and Vietnam veterans think alike, despite the time difference, proving that even though times have changed, the mentality of wars has changed.