In "The First Salute," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the peculiar behaviors of men who have engaged in serious warfare, highlighting how they often become embroiled in intense arguments over minor issues of honor. This tendency seems paradoxical, as one would expect that facing death would lead to a focus on more significant matters rather than trivial disputes.

Tuchman's observation suggests that such conflicts over trivialities may serve as a psychological mechanism for soldiers attempting to reintegrate into civilian life after the chaos of battle. This inclination to debate honor can reflect unresolved emotions and the need to establish a sense of normalcy following their harrowing experiences in combat.