What is the theme in Dispatches by Michael Herr?

The Hell of war is the main theme. Herr lists the many ways a soldier can die in Vietnam, such as walking on a mine, falling into a spiked pit, all the variations of bullet wounds, and shrapnel from artillery rounds. Other threats include malaria and friendly fire or being shot down in a helicopter. Firefights may be brief or extend over days, weeks, and sometimes months, as with the siege of Khe Sahn.