NO. Not in vain.
They did what they set out to do, which was to crush the Axis nations. THAT was the mission and they accomplished it.
What we have sitting in front of us on OUR plate is OUR Mission.
And it is going to be at LEAST as ugly as theirs.
THAT is a DAMNED high bar to surpass and I fear it WILL be surpassed.
Curious? Read some of the Greatest Generations letters home. Remember they sugar coated EVERYTHING in those letters.
Then read some of the DSC, MOH, Silver Star and other commendations. even THEY were "cleaned up".