The Practice of Soldiers Keeping Bullets: A Personal Memento of Combat

While the act of soldiers keeping bullets as personal mementos is not universal, it does occur and is influenced by a range of individual motivations and cultural contexts. This practice can serve as a reminder or tribute to significant events and fallen comrades. However, it is essential to recognize that not all soldiers engage in this tradition, and their methods of remembrance can vary widely.

Varied Motivations and Practices

Some soldiers keep a bullet as a tangible link to their combat experiences. This can commemorate a significant event or honor their fallen comrades. In other cases, a bullet fired during an engagement or one found in a unique situation serves as a memento. For instance, during the U.S. Indian Native American wars, a saying among the U.S. cavalrymen was to "Save the last bullet for yourself," a practice reminiscent of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, where some soldiers went to their death by using their last rounds. This act can be seen as a final stand against the enemy.

Personal Experiences and Rationale

Reflecting on my own experience, I found it essential to prepare mentally and physically for combat. While I was not a soldier in the traditional sense, the mindset of not getting captured was paramount during my time in a fly bait firebase in "I Corps." All my ammunition was for the enemy, and I respected the decision of my comrades to hold one last bullet for themselves, but I did not see this as a defeatist attitude. Instead, I viewed it as a survival instinct. It would be easy to feel like a hard-ass now, but back then, the thought of avoiding torture was not a viable alternative to the reality of combat. The image of a single bullet holder atop an AK-47, however, is enough to understand the risks involved, as the round could ignite from the barrel's heat, even in semi-auto mode.

Conclusion and Broader Context

While the act of keeping a bullet is personal and individual, it highlights the broader context of combat and the psychological impact on soldiers. Each soldier has their own way of coping with the stress and pressure of war. Whether it's holding on to a bullet, a dog tag, or a photograph, soldiers find ways to navigate the complexities of combat and its aftermath. The act of keeping a bullet is not a universal practice, but it is a significant part of the narrative of military service and individual resilience.

Understanding the motivations behind such practices can help in recognizing the humanity and individuality of soldiers. It's a reminder that behind every soldier is a person with their own story, their own struggles, and their own ways of coping with the reality of combat.