Shame and Pride

Marlantes admits to feelings proud of his service in Vietnam, even though he looks back in sadness at some of the things he did. His own pride and that which he felt for his unit and the Marine Corps in general led him to take risks with his own and others' lives. This pride turned to shame upon returning home to the United States where the Vietnam war had been controversial. He was avoided by some and confronted by others because of his role. Treated like an outcast, he bean to think that he had done something wrong.

It is thrilling to kill in combat, Marlantes admits, and this fact should not be ignored. Young soldiers who will enter combat should be prepared for the potential conflict they may face in their own feelings after killing someone. The shame of killing conflicts with the pride of...