The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War Topics for Discussion

Discuss pride. Lt. Downs feels tremendous pride in being a leader and a soldier. Though he is wounded slightly four times, he refuses to give up his command in the field. Is his pride a virtue, or does it make him take unnecessary risks?

Discuss cooperation. Lt. Downs describes the men in his unit as "tight." They cooperate with each other and depend on each other for their lives in battle. Except in extreme cases, soldiers with problems are helped and talked to. Is cooperation among the soldiers of the platoon as important as their individual courage?

Discuss technological superiority. The United States has overwhelming technological superiority through its air power in the Vietnam War. It can be a double edge sword, since many American soldiers are killed or hurt by "friendly fire." This may be somewhat minimized by today's laser-directed...
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