Synopsis

The Protagonist's Journey: The story follows Will Harriss, initially an infantryman who desired heroism and medals, but who is assigned to field artillery's Machinegun Section and doubles as Battery Artificer. He navigates the harsh realities of winter combat in the Vosges Mountains and later on the Alsatian plains and Germany. His primary, often comical, duties include digging numerous latrines for both enlisted men and officers, notably "the Colonel's one-holer".

Experiences in Combat: Harriss recounts narrow escapes from shelling, the extreme cold, dysentery ("the runnies"), and the constant underlying fear of death or serious injury. He is briefly hailed as a "French National Hero" in St. Dié and later cited for a Bronze Star for valor in collecting discarded weapons, though this medal is denied due to a supposed "quota".

Relationships and Internal Conflict: The narrative explores his deepening bonds with fellow soldiers like Marvulli, Moose, and Tim. He grapples with his "virgin soldier" status, yearning for meaningful combat experience and romantic connection, which he briefly finds and loses with a German girl, Ellen. A secret order from "Big Brass" to keep him safe, due to his heroic late brother, Lieutenant John Carroll Harriss, explains his seemingly mundane assignments and foiled attempts at heroism.

Themes of War and Humanity: The story reflects on the absurdity of military bureaucracy, the dehumanization of the enemy, and the redefinition of courage in a setting where survival often trumps traditional heroism.