What are the motifs in The Killing Zone: My Life in the Vietnam War by Frederick Downs?

Pride in being a soldier is a recurring idea. Lt. Downs has tremendous pride in being an officer in the United States Army. In the jungle, he is so active in his platoon's patrols, that his commanding officers keep his platoon in there for as long as possible. After Lt. Downs is wounded twice in a day, he is offered the option of getting a safe non-combat job in intelligence but refuses the offer. He is committed to his unit and leading his men in battle, as safely and effectively as possible. Lt. Downs has tremendous contempt and resentment for the ARVN for not fighting and for shirking their duty.