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They sure were, Sam. I look at that picture, and I can't help but think about how that smiling sailor would soon find himself wading out of a landing craft in one of the first waves of the assault on Iwo Jima.

I think about him trying to save the lives of wounded marines, and getting badly wounded himself, with no one left on his medical team to help him.

I think about what it must have been like, watching his stretcher partner die.

He looks all rumpled and happy there - but I know what came later. I have so much love, admiration and respect for him - like I know you do for your dad, too. So many real men in that generation.

(Thank you, Dad, for being a real man. Happy Birthday.)