Chapter 6, A Band of Brothers Summary and Analysis

Civil War soldiers were interested in bravery, courage and valor. Cowardice was the enemy. No men could bear to be shamed for cowardice and men's fears in their first battle were often focused on whether they would break. When men were scared they often pretended to be sick, and soldiers who went into action sick often suffered badly. Many of those in the same company came from the same community; as a result, the pressure to retain one's reputation was important because it could outlast the war. Officers were held to an even higher standard. Many would pull strings to find a place at the front lines when they feared men thought them cowardly.

Combat motivation studies show that the desire of a soldier to prove himself is the strongest motivator in his...