After my dad told me of my grandfather's experiences in the war, I asked where the two silver stars were now; he said he was sure my Uncle Philip, a veteran of the Korean War, had them packed away at his home. And I remember visiting Uncle Phil's home shortly thereafter. I hovered at the foot of the stairs, sure those stars were in a box somewhere in his attic, and tried to muster the courage to ask someone to take me up there. But I never did. I never saw the silver stars.