The book opens with First Lieutenant Jimmy Cross “humping” letters from a girl named Martha across Vietnam (a “hump” is a forced march or hike in which soldiers carry whatever gear is needed for their current mission). Martha, a junior at Mount Sebastian College in New Jersey, does not seem to love Jimmy; nevertheless, Jimmy obsesses over the letters, taking them out and reading them every night. He imagines taking camping trips with her and wonders if she is still a virgin. For the most part, “[t]he things they carried were largely determined by necessity,” such as “P-38 can openers, pocket knives, heat tabs, wristwatches, dog tags, mosquito repellant, chewing gum, candy, cigarettes” (2), and other practical items, which could weigh up to 18 pounds. Henry Dobbins enjoys peaches and cake. Dave Jensen carries a toothbrush and dental floss. Ted Lavender carries tranquilizers and “premium dope” (3). Kiowa carries an illustrated version of the New Testament.

Each man carries a flak jacket, which weighs “6.7 pounds, but which on hot days seemed much heavier” (3). Most men carry photographs, like Jimmy, who carries two photos of Martha. In one, she stands against a brick wall; in another, she plays volleyball.