"How nice- to feel nothing, and still get the full credit for being alive."

Roland Weary viewed war as a badge of honor and glory. He wanted to be heroic so he could retell many dangerous adventures when he returns home. He wanted the credit of being a war hero.(How he came to an abrupt end  is another story. So it goes.)

I believe this is what Vonnegut was trying to say. In my opinion, he expressed both sides of war. The soldiers do not want to suffer the mental consequences of shooting another, and do not want to suffer the physical consequences of being shot. Therefore, to some, having to feel nothing would be the greatest gift for them. However, if they are lucky enough to endure the entire war, then they would get the "credit" of freeing their country, and be viewed as a hero.Having the advantage of feeling nothing and be viewed as a hero at the same time would be a bonus. This is what I thought the soldier meant when he told Derby this line.

Other than the immediate, I believe that this quote can also be related to the childhood Billy Pilgrim. The young Billy experienced a mental shock when he was pushed into the pool by his father, and also when he viewed down the Grand Canyon. I think at that time, Billy would have liked to feel none of that fright, but also to not embarrass his parents by getting hurt and making a fool out of himself.

However, not the entire book has been read, and this quote can have a deeper meaning. Who knows.

Poo-tee-weet      
                                                                                                                             - Yuemin