Without controversy, the greatest respect one can demonstrate to another human is to simply and raptly listen to the tale he/she has to offer, and to digest it with silent rumination, without rejection.
Regarding that golden moment from a veteran of the killing fields, he will give it to you only if he completely trusts your sense of treating his confidence as a privileged, holy communication not to be lightly esteemed. This is one of the richest life events you can experience as a trusted friend outside the fraternity of those who have served as a combatant.
May your reputation be worthy to receive and keep alive this nugget of lonely pain shared.
(From personal experience.)
In honor of Grover Don Penn, Marine: First (Edson's) Marine Raider Battalion, engaged in the most forward front of the battle for Bloody Ridge, Guadalcanal, September 12-14, 1942.
In honor of George Raymond Parker, Jr., Marine: Heavy Weapons Platoon of 6 Marine Division, who fought through the battle for Sugar Loaf Hill, Okinawa, May 12-18, 1945. Purple Heart, Silver Star.
In honor of Albert Burke, Combat Infantryman: 104 Battalion of 26 "Yankee" Infantry Division, fought in Moncout Woods, October 1944, thence to Metz, 3-day march of Patton's 3rd Army to Luxembourg in the Battle of the Bulge, crossed the Rhine and southward into Germany until the war's end. Heavy .30-cal Machine Gunner. Would not accept promotion beyond PFC. Expert in quad-.50 cal operation.
In honor of Gino Centofanti, Signal expert with Patton's 3rd Army. Remained after the war in the Occupation Forces, ASA.
R. I. P., friends.
Moncout Moncourt Woods