Plot

During a lull in casualties, friction occurs when Charles and B.J. try to write an article for a prestigious journal on a procedure they'd performed. Margaret discovers more about herself through a visit from Scully.

There is still a lull in the conflict... until Col. Potter announces good news. Corporal Howser, former 4077 patient, is recovering nicely at Walter Reed after the intricate "plumbing reroute" done by BJ and Chuckles. The U.S. medical community is abuzz and The American College of Surgeons wants the two surgeons to write a paper for publication on the mobilization and exteriorization of the descending colon performed on Howser. Hawkeye is happy to see Jack Scully (Joshua Bryant) roll into "his favorite party town" but Scully is there to see Margaret. As egos and tempers flare in The Swamp, Margaret learns Scully has been busted to Private. But, Scully is a bit of a chauvinist and expects her to be his demure subordinate. The Major has grown: she is comfortable with her rank. She wants a man who is 10% her father, 10% Hawkeye, 3% Frank Burns and 1% her ex-husband, Donald. She never finishes her math: but she and Hawkeye agree they are each looking for a custom fit in an off-the-rack world. Finally, Col. Potter settles the battle of wills with some homespun truth. It is decided that both members and non-fellows of the FACS will be recognized in print.—LA-Lawyer

There is still a lull in the conflict... until Col. Potter announces good news.

Corporal Howser, former 4077 patient, is recovering nicely at Walter Reed after the intricate "plumbing reroute" done by BJ and Chuckles. The U.S. medical community is abuzz and The American College of Surgeons wants the two surgeons to write a paper for publication on the mobilization and Exteriorization of the descending colon performed on Howser. This is most prestigious publication in the entire medical profession and a great honor. Hawkeye wants to join them in writing the paper, but is not welcome.

Winchester and BJ start writing the paper, but cant agree on anything (the opening sentence: BJ is practical, but Winchester is poetic and colorful). Not even whose name should go on first on the paper (BJ suggests listing alphabetically, but Winchester suggests listing by seniority). The first draft is due to Potter in 5 days. Winchester insists that Howser was his patient and that BJ merely assisted. So, the paper should be titled "Charles Emerson Winchester III". The duo try to enlist Houlihan into deciding who contributed more to Howser's surgery and survival, but she doesn't want to take sides. Hawkeye is delighted to see the authors squabbling over who gets credit over the procedure. eventually they both write their own papers to let Potter decide which one represents the truth. Hawkeye is playing scrabble with Igor to kill the time.

Hawkeye is bored through his skull. He is happy to see Jack Scully (Joshua Bryant) roll into "his favorite party town" but Scully is there to see Margaret. Even Mulcahy does not have time for Hawkeye. As egos and tempers flare in The Swamp, Margaret learns Scully has been busted to Private (for not following orders by a Lt. in the field). Scully says he doesn't like to be an officer anyways, since he became one he would have to hang around them more. Houlihan says she is an officer as well. But, Scully is a bit of a chauvinist and expects her to be his demure subordinate (Scully says that Major rank for women is an honorary thing and females aren't supposed to lead "real men" in the battlefield). Margaret asks Scully to leave her tent.

Finally, Col. Potter settles the battle of wills with some homespun truth. It is decided that both members and non-fellows of the FACS will be recognized in print. Potter makes them realize that the entire US army starting from evacuation hospitals, aid stations, MASH (Doctors, nurses, Post op), Seoul, Tokyo general and stateside had a role to play in the soldier's survival. BJ and Winchester are ashamed as this was a team effort. They agree to submit the paper in MASH's name. Margaret borrows a pretty dress from Klinger and calls Scully back. Scully takes Margaret for granted and doesn't appreciate the effort she has put in for Scully. He reminds Scully that deep down she is herself and she wont continue to change herself for every person that comes along her way. The Major has grown: she is comfortable with her rank. She wants a man who is 20% her father, 10% Scully, 10% Hawkeye, 3% Frank Burns and 1% her ex-husband, Donald. She never finishes her math: but she and Hawkeye agree they are each looking for a custom fit in an off-the-rack world.