In the selection you have asked about, there is no proof that Specialist V. C. Reed was afraid to go to war.  He states in his diary,

"That was a momentous day in my life when I received the call from my Local Board inducting me into the service of the U.S. Army." 

Reed goes on to say that he hurried down to the induction building, which was the local Post Office, and was selected to lead the men to the station. So he marched at the front of the line.  He mentions that he felt there should have been a band  playing for them, and how crowded it was at the train depot. 

His details of Basic Training and the trip overseas are very matter of fact.  He doesn't even mention any concerns for his safety until he and other soldiers are in a boat leaving South Hampton.  Here he says they they began to feel "anxious for their safety."

This attitude was very prevalent of the young men who went to fight in WWI and WWII.  The Big War and the Great War were dramatized to the point that all eligible men couldn't wait to enlist.  They believed that they would go fight and save the world.  

Here are several links to learn more about WWI and Reed.