William Manchester

An Edwardian lady in full dress was a wonder to behold, and her preparations for viewing were awesome.

As she sallied forth from her boudoir, you would never have guessed how quickly she could strip for action.

I wondered vaguely if this was when it would end, whether I would pull up tonight's darkness like a quilt and be dead and at peace evermore.

Men do not fight for flag or country, for the Marine Corps or glory or any other abstraction. They fight for one another. And if you came through this ordeal, you would age with dignity.