The dash in Major ------- de Coverley's title can be explained by a variety of reasons. First, it could be left blank because the author wants the reader to fill it in himself because it isn't really necessary information. The second, is that no one knows his first name, which is true actually because all the men are too scared to ask. A third reason is that it could be because there is an old belief that the name of God cannot be typed. Also, the dash could be there because his last name starts with a lowercase and he doesn't want people to think he is the Major of Coverley. None of theses reasons are absolute and the explanation for the dashes is open to interpretation. Major------de Coverly is also descrived as a "vexarious enigma; not one of the hundreds of American prisoners would ever supply any concrete information about' (132) . To both the German intellingence and to the American authorities "his idendity is equally perplexing."  

The Major is very respected around the squadron and he is usually successful in all of his jobs.  De Coverly is descirbed as, "an ominous, incomprehensible presence,"(212) and most the men are scared of him.  Except for Colonel Moodus who is the only person de Coverley trusts.  His position is that of a squadron executive officer. The major only does three things: "pitching horseshoes, kidnapping Italian laborers, and renting apartments for the enlisted men and officers to use on rest leaves " (131). He is an older gentleman with a bright white beard and powerful eyes.

Milo uses Major ------- de Coverley's love of fresh eggs to start M & M Enterprise. The men and de Coverley are impressed with Milo's boldness, since most men are intimidated by de Coverley and would never interupt de Coverley while he is pitching horshoes, like Milo did.