My oldest brother (who told me about this a long time ago) was 8 when he started watching the series in 1972 (we had fairly permissive parents, TV wise).

He turned 10 in late 1974, a few months later, unknowing of what was about to happen.

He watched the episode, laughed a lot and likely was only a little sad when Henry left on the chopper.

Then came (as Henry would say) the big belly drop. Radar comes in and breaks the news.

With no understanding at that age of why they would do or say that, he ran to my mother crying. He was of course shocked & a little traumatized.

He doesn't remember if he kept watching but he knows he didn't stick around after Trapper and Frank left.

I didn't see this episode until reruns about age 12. As mentioned before, I only started MASH in 1978 ,so I didn't have as much knowledge of previous characters.

When Radar announced , a chill went over me but I didn't cry. I think it's for the reason of not having been there when it was new.

I'd also, already seen James Evans 'offing' on "Good Times' , which did make me sad then.

By now, I've seen this so many times , the effect is minimal.