Tim O'Brien

By April 1968, nearly half of the American people had grave doubts about the morality and rightness of the war in Vietnam. Support for the war had been steadily slipping for two years. Protests against the Vietnam War occurred frequently, often on college campuses. Although students were able to defer their induction while they attended school, they were some of the most vocal protesters against the war. During this turbulent time, Tim O'Brien graduated from college and soon received his induction notice, his official orders to report for duty in the Army.

Until the last minute, O'Brien was unsure of whether he would report for duty. He believed the war in Vietnam was wrong and that Americans were dying there needlessly. Yet, he also realized he would disgrace his parents and himself if he avoided the draft by going to Canada...