Charlie:

I believe the soldiers probably thought there was a disconnect between them and their leadership. Initially in Section 5 morale was probably high, ground was being quickly gained after the Inchon landings but this quickly changed as winter set in. The soldiers at lower levels were struggling through the rugged mountainous terrain of Korea and had to fight, and live in the brutal sub-freezing temperatures of the Korean winter.  I think this is clearly illustrated when General Ned Almond randomly stops by and gives Silver Stars to LTC Faith and ask him to pick basically two random soldiers to give Silver Stars to.  LTC Faith just points at two guys nearest to him: an injured lieutenant and a mess steward and the three of them are awarded Silver Stars.  The Lieutenant after General Almond quickly flies off in his helicopter asks what he did to receive this award, LTC Faith responds by ripping off his and throwing it into the snow bank.  This excerpt illustrates the disconnect between the soldiers on the ground, even up to the BN level and higher tier leadership.