“Like the old soldier of the ballad, I now close my military career and just fade…” — Douglas MacArthur

I've looked that old scoundrel death in the eye many times but this time I think he has me on the ropes.

Part of the American dream is to live long and die young. Only those Americans who are willing to die for their country are fit to live.

I suppose, in a way, this has become part of my soul. It is a symbol of my life. Whatever I have done that really matters, I've done wearing it. When the time comes, it will be in this that I journey forth. What greater honor could come to an American, and a soldier?

Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.