Hi Steve,
Have you ever seen 'Battleground' made just after WWII?
I'm not sure of the authenticity of all the facts, but the GI's in the movie acted more like you'd think real GI's would act.
(I love that movie, regardless)
The GI's were scared and miserable, but they fought anyway, more for their buddies than a noble cause, and they griped etc throughout the movie.
~ Harlan