Hero-father -- Born with a silver spoon "slightly bent" -- A disappointment to his family -- Initiation: D-day -- Proving ground: the battle of Normandy -- Becoming an officer -- The Colmar pocket: winter heroism -- The dragon's teeth: assuming command -- "Discipline of kindness" -- Götterdämmerung: the battle for Germany -- Nuremberg and the Medal of Honor -- Escaping the "hero's cage" -- Epilogue: causes greater than self.