Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1993

Thesis Director

Dan M. Hockman

Abstract

An oral history compiled from recollections of fourteen combat veterans, documented by over forty hours of tape-recorded interviews, the paper recreates GIs' mentality upon entering combat. The formation of the collective mentality is examined by exploring the attitudes, motivations, and historical circumstances determining thought and actions of these reluctant, yet dedicated soldiers. The collective mentality, defined as the way of thinking allowing the majority to best cope with their predicament, answers why men fought and how they persevered once in combat. Explaining sustained combat performance the paper proves how the collective mentality gave Gls the will and ability to withstand war's brutal and unforgiving reality.

Describing the salient characteristics of the infantrymen's war, the participants' experiences reveal the whole story of what really happened; with the ugly truths some sources chose to omit. Veterans' recollections provide the Gls relation to his own mortality, how this changed with time, and how this change affected their way of thinking. Accordingly, special care is given to how soldiers were influenced by what they had to endure in combat. This includes emphasis on the adjustment facilitating Gls ability to tolerate and accept what transpired. This adjustment amounted to a moral and emotional insensitivity resulting from Gls' understanding they withstand, or "take" in their words, all combat could possibly have in store. With survival and the successful completion of their duty their foremost concerns, their moral and ethical lapse also explains the ruthless actions of some Gls in combat, including atrocities.

Gls had the determination and self-pride not to quit and give up the fight, but there was another significant element of successful perseverance. The collective mentality gave soldiers the ability to laugh and enjoy situations normaly not associated with humor. Fixating on the positive aspects of life gave soldiers the uncanny ability to look past their problems and bear with the misery. Men discovered the simple feeling of life was overpowering when one became aware of how abruptly it could be cut short.

Veterans' fond and pleasurable memories reveal what soldiers actually found humorous and what activities kept them amused. When enjoying friendships and camaraderie, and the other startling actions that kept soldiers occupied, soldiers were distracted from excessive worry over the terrible fear and deprivation of war. Distractions and diversions had the benefit of fostering a positive fighting spirit while facilitating soldiers' ability to cope. Accordingly, the "good times" veterans experienced performed a vital role in sustaining individual efforts.

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