Analytical Summary If I Die in a Combat Zone If I Die in a Combat Zone is an intense personal account of Tim O'Brien's tour of duty in Vietnam. He absolutely hated the fact of going to war. He starts off as a cocky college student, and through the course of the book, he changes. O'Brien uses very vivid descriptions of the terrain, weather and of the conflicts in which his Company is involved.
O'Brien is drafted to go to Vietnam in the summer of 1968. When he is drafted, he is confused and contemplates many ways in which to avoid going to the war. He does not feel that he is a fighter. O'Brien goes through basic training at Ft. Lewis, Washington. While at Ft. Lewis, he meets a friend named Erik. Erik is also opposed to