To Yossarian, the idea of pennants as prizes was absurd. No money went with them, no class privileges. Like Olympic medals and tennis trophies, all they signified was that the owner had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than everyone else.
In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," Yossarian perceives the notion of pennants as utterly ridiculous. He views them as symbols devoid of real value, as they do not accompany any monetary reward or enhance one's social status. Unlike tangible achievements that offer benefits, these accolades seem trivial and superficial.
Yossarian's reflection on the nature of such prizes reveals a critique of societal values that prioritize competition over meaningful contributions. To him, these awards merely denote that someone has excelled in activities that, ultimately, hold little significance for the greater good, highlighting a disconnect between success and true merit.