In The Most Important Thing, author David Gross parlays his own father's life history into a moving fictional narrative about a young man's journey from a Kentucky rural homestead to life as a soldier in the Korean War. After Bradley Gross decides to enlist in the U.S. Army at the tender age of eighteen, the benefits of his decision seem endless-seeing the world, having grand adventures, and receiving bigger paychecks. However, it's only amidst the danger, adventure, and perils of battle that he seeks, and finds, what is truly the most important thing.