Private James Mathes was a character made a single appearance in the Season 10 episode of the CBS-TV series M*A*S*H titled "Identity Crisis". The part of Corporal Rice is played in the episode by actor Dirk Blocker.
About Cpl. Rice[]
Mathes, is treated by Margaret & Hawkeye for minor wounds when he asks them to add more bandages to cover up the tattoo on his arm. The soldier explains that he received a "Dear John" letter from the woman his tattoo is based on, saying she has become involved with a wealthy prominent businessman and as a result she wants her photo back- she plans to pretend her relationship with the soldier never existed. Margaret is disgusted by this bit of "social climbing" and tries to assure the wounded man that he is better off without her. The soldier is less than assured, so Hawkeye develops another plan.
Margaret and Hawkeye treating the wounds (and broken heart) of Mathes.
Hawkeye begins roaming around camp asking for photos of women as a way to help Mathes the jilted soldier in Post-Op. After gathering a large amount, he and Margaret return with a reply written to his ex-girlfriend - claiming the soldier cannot remember which woman she is and instructing her to remove her own picture while returning the rest. The wounded man's spirits are greatly lifted by this, and he adds a touch of his own- instructing Hawkeye to send the letter "postage due!"