So true. I worked with a person for many years and we became personal friends. I knew he’d been in the Korean War and badly wounded but didn’t find out until a couple years ago he was awarded the DSC.
I was amazed to identify them as a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and various other US and South Vietnamese awards. At the bottom of the box was a copy of his service records and Lisa was able to read about his exploits. He'd served two tours, first as an enlisted man with the 1st Cav in 65-66 and then as an officer with the 101st Airborne in 68-69.
Lisa had known he'd served in Vietnam, but didn't know any details. He'd once told her that it had been a different life and he didn't want to go back to it.