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Mellas's Achievements

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Mellas's Achievements
Although Mellas initially emphasizes his personal achievements such as promotions and medals, after some combat experience Mellas ultimately realizes his brothers in arms reward him more than any military attainment. In the beginning of the novel, Mellas arrives in the bush with one thing on his mind: advancement and glory. He fantasizes of leading his platoon to a significant NVA machine gun position and capturing it, earning “a newspaper story at home about the exploit… and a medal. He wanted a medal as much as he wanted the company” (56). For Mellas, his sole intentions are to impressive his commanding officers and do everything he can to be promoted. Once he spends more time in the bush with his men, Mellas recognizes that glory and recognition

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