Norman Bowker, a character from Tim O'Brien's novel, won seven medals, including the Silver Star, during the Vietnam War for his valor in combat. He struggled with what the medals represented regarding his experiences and the effects on his mental health.
Norman Bowker, a character from Tim O'Brien's book,
The Things They Carried
, won seven medals in the Vietnam War. This includes the
Silver Star
, the military's third-highest personal decoration for valor in combat. He was primarily awarded for his
courageous actions
and used them as proofs of his bravery and toughness in the face of danger. However, he struggles with the sense that the medals he won do not reveal the reality of his experience, reflecting the profound impact on soldiers' mental health.
Learn more about Norman Bowker