Vietnam War Quotes From The Things They Carried

The Vietnam War was a war that introduced a new level of warfare. The Vietnam War a war fought with heavy firepower caused the lives of many brave American soldiers. In the story “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’ Brien emphasizes on the heavy burden American soldiers carried during the Vietnam War. As the war rose with misery, American soldiers began to rebel against it. Lastly, the theme of the story is to pay a tribute for the brave 2.5 million American soldiers who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. As the story takes setting in the fearful jungles of Vietnam, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross and his men carried heavy firepower in order to demolish the opposing Vietcong forces. In the first indication “In addition to the three standard weapons –the M-60,M-16 and the M-79 –they carried whatever presented itself, or whatever seemed appropriate as a means of killing or staying alive.” (pg.472) clearly indicates that American infantry were prepared to face a Vietcong onslaught. However, during the war most of the gear carried by American …show more content…
Guerilla tactics used by the Vietcong included, imminent attacks, mines, booby traps and etc. The Vietcong forces were extremely proficient using these deadly tactics that it ended the lives of many American soldiers. In the indication “O shit, Rat Kiley said the guy’s dead. The guy’s dead, he kept saying” (pg.475) indicates the paranoia American soldiers carried during the war. Furthermore, the Vietnam War introduced a new level of warfare which involved the use of tactics. The Vietcong used the jungles to their advantage which allowed them to plan their moves such as reconnaissance routes, escape routes, resupply routes and attack routes with perfect precision. In other words, as American infantry walked the jungles unprepared, they encountered the wrath of the Vietcong