The one thing I would say is that a situation like that reaches below the level of “thinking about it,” or “making a decision,” or even doing what your training directed you to do.

There isn’t time in those sorts of situations, or room; for logical thought. There is only time to react, which puts you instantly face to face with your inmost self; the “flight or fight” reaction is in full flush, and you find out who you really, really, really, are. How you were raised, what you believe, what you value - it’s all right there in such moments.

Ross McGinnis - and those around him in that Humvee - found out that his inmost self was not oriented toward the “flight” side of the personality organization equation.

And so we lose - with no real clear idea of what we’ve lost - another of our best.

I thought his parents were marvelous during the ceremony. Such dignity.