As American bombers continued their missions over Iraq, the Harvard campus remained quiet and somber yesterday afternoon.

Despite loud marches against the raids and prayer vigils for the soldiers, most students interviewed said they had resigned themselves to the reality of war--or weren't really worried to being with--and were concentrating on personal concerns instead.

Many students expressed frustration that President Bush ordered an American strike so soon after the United Nations Jan. 15 deadline. But most students interviewed around campus yesterday said they still supported the troops and would back the President's efforts.

Standing amid puddles and dirty slush filling the Yard, Bill C. Kessler '91 and Charles E. Ehrlich '91 said they felt the time for protest had passed.

"We need to be supportive of the troops," said Kessler, a Winthrop House resident. "The spirit of the rallies is insensitive. It's hard to attack the government without attacking the troops."

Carrie L. Suzawa '91 said that although she had known war was "almost definite," she was still shocked by the suddenness of the American air invasion.

But without any personal stake in the conflict, she said she found it difficult to take a strong stance on the war.

"Although I feel ambivalent, I do support what we're doing," said Suzawa. "There will be death, but there is justification."

After hearing the news Wednesday night, Suzawa said she was touched while watching the video "Glory" with some male friends that night.

"It hit me then," said Suzawa, a Kirkland House resident. "`Glory' was probably the worst thing to watch that night, with all the blood and guts. Watching that with some people who might be drafted, it made you realize death is really going on."

"I think war is dehumanizing, hearing cold terms like losses and casualties to describe injuries and death," said Eliot House resident Matthew Barmack '92. "But to be honest, it hasn't sunken in. I think it's something we had to do."

Supporting Troops

At the Quincy House grille, Karen J. Hullenburg '93 took a break from studying the works of Adam Smith to ponder the war. While video Games and foosball matches continued uninterrupted nearby, Hullenburg said she thought Americans should support the war now that the fighting has started.

"We have to support them," said Hullenburg, adding that her rooming group is split on the war. "To pull out makes it worthless, Whether we were right or wrong."

Changed Minds