Forrest, the main character, struggles with an intellectual disability throughout the movie, but overcomes it by learning from his mistakes and those around him. Most people he encounters look down upon him, and feel that they are more intelligent than him. However, this is most often not the case. When Forrest enters the army he must learn from those around him to keep up with the rest. Lt. Dan is Forrest’s mentor throughout the Vietnam War. Forrest idolizes Lt. Dan, while Lt. Dan feels that Forrest is incompetent. When there is a bombing where Forrest and Lt. Dan are located, Forrest saves his life by re-entering the forest and carrying Lt. Dan out. Lt. never appreciates Forrest saving his life, until they are together on the Bubba Gump Shrimp
