What is the theme in My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier?

Honor versus Glory is a central theme in the story. Part of the reason Tim admires his brother is because Sam is a glamorous person. He always has triumphs to report when he comes home from school, and even when he goes to war, Tim knows his brother is brave and daring. At some points during the war, Tim also craves the glory that his brother has. He wants to do something daring and brave so that his brother will be proud of him. This is the reason he agrees to deliver the message for Mr. Heron, even though it means disobeying his father and lying. Tim even remarks that glory seems more important than honor at that time.