True satisfaction comes from getting the job done. Ribbons, medals, and accolades, then, are poor substitutes to the ability to look yourself in the mirror every night and know that you did your best.
War exposes the best and worst of those who are called to fight. I know of no man who lacked character in peace and then discovered his character in combat.
Because I was in such good shape, my fatigue level never reached the point of physical exhaustion that contributes to mental exhaustion and, ultimately, to combat fatigue.
