fourth star.” Coleman nodded. “They couldn’t very well deny him the second and

third stars. He flat-out earned those. But when you get to four, there’s more

politics than merit. And the stand your father had taken came home to roost,

because he had pissed off a lot of people who would determine if he got the

fourth star or not. And he didn’t get it.

 

And he was basically forced to retire.” Coleman stopped and tapped the fourth

star on his shoulder. “When I got this pinned on, do you know who I was thinking

about?

 

Your old man. He deserved the fourth star far more than I ever did.

 

And ever since I got it part of me has been ashamed that I walk around with it

while he never had that honor.” Coleman sighed and sat back. “I know his current

condition. But I want to propose something to both of you.” He paused, seemingly

to marshal his thoughts. “We’ve never done this before and it carries no

official weight. But I’ve run this up the flagpole and got nothing but salutes

from both the brass and the civilian side.” He paused again. “We want to award

an honorary fourth star to your father. I wish it could be the real deal, but

that’s not possible now. But we want to do this. Out of respect for your father.

We want to try to make this, if not right, at least better.” He leaned forward.

“What do you say?” “I say it’s about time,” both Pullers replied simultaneously.

 

Chapter 76