True Grit

Zev Chafets in the NY Daily News says Thomas Wilson, the Soldier who asked the armor question of Secretary Rumsfeld, should get a Silver Star. His 'heroics' aren't quite to that level, but the statement reminds me of this old joke:

The Chiefs of Staff are bragging about the relative courage of the members of their respective services. To settle the ensuing argument, they make a bet on who commands the bravest troops. One by one they call low ranking GI's into their meeting.

First in is a Marine. "Grenade!" shouts the Commandant of the Marine Corps. "Hooah" shouts the Marine, and he grabs the dummy 'live' grenade from the floor and hurls it out the window. "Gentlemen," says the Commandant, "that man has courage - as do all my Marines!"

A Soldier folows. "Grenade!" Shouts the Army General, and in the blink of an eye the Soldier throws himself on the fake weapon. "Gents, I think you'll agree that American Soldiers epitomize bravery!" States the Army Chief, with pride.

A Sailor enters. "Grenade!" The Admiral shouts, but before he finishes the first syllable the Sailor has fled back out the door, and the remaining Chiefs laugh out loud.

The Chief of Staff Air Force nervously calls his man in.

"Airman, fall on that Grenade!" he shouts, determined not to experience the humiliation of his Navy partner.

"Kiss my ass, General!" The Airman replies.

Stunned silence fills the room, until the Air Force General says: "Well I think that settles it boys - this man has balls!"