Books like Grapes of Wrath

A vicarious view of the vagaries of war and the nonsensical, forced and obfuscating experiences of a soldier on the field. I respect the army and the men who lay down their lives to protect a cause or a border, but I can't comprehend how a man throws himself in front of a thousand roaring guns, fully knowing that his chances of survival are next to nothing. How can emotions overpower common sense to such an extreme that a man forgets about all the good things in life, all of the infinite possibilities and just jumps in the pit in the name of duty. And after all, how many of us even spare a thought to think about him and the sacrifice that he has bestowed on us. Hell, how many of us even know what it means to be on the field, survive in inhumane conditions, with the constant fear of an enemy attack, the constant shivering in the cold makeshift tents,the hunger juxtaposed with chronic stomach aches, the sleepless nights in shockingly unhygienic conditions. Just makes one wonder if it's really worth it?