My father-in-law served in the Army from 1938 until 1961. He never deployed during WWII and was always careful to say that he was not a WWII veteran. On the other hand, he was an advisor to the Korean Army in 1950 and would tell anyone in a heatbeat what it was like being there at that time and had the scars to show for it. He was most assuredly a part of the “Greatest Generation” as he never took credit for something he did not do, but was proud of what he did do.
Yes, anyone ever in the military, including and especially Blumenthal, knows the distinction and the overwhelming majority don’t make the repeated slip of the tongue he has admittedly made. In my book he’s a liar!
But he was available to be sent had the Army seen fit.
My kid was also available to be sent to Iraq or A’Stan but never got the call.
There is a lot to say for being in uniform, and able and willing to go in harms way.