My late father-in-law served with the 4th. Marine Division, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He was wounded on Iwo. That got him the heck out of there. He was recouping from his wounds when the bombs were dropped and like a million other guys he got to see his next birthday. There were giants in those days.
My Dad is a veteran of the Pacific and the 5th Marine Division and still with us. He is 92 & my Mom is still with us too. Dad I think can still kick my ass. He is unbelievably active, gardening, working on the old house. My brother can’t keep him from cutting brush on the creek bank. My Mom is weaker, and has lost sight in one eye but she still cooks my Dad meals, cleans the house and gets irritated at me when I visit and take them out to dinner. She keeps telling me I need to save my money and not spend it so loosely like going to restaurants. Both long time WV Republicans from back when all WV GOPers could fit in my parents living room.
They don’t make Americans like that any more.