As a pilot, George McGovern flew 35 bombing missions in Europe. Kind of in Midwestern reticence, he didn't feel comfortable talking about it and damn sure didn't want to brag about it.http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-pl...d-war-ii-diary-180961585/#T1BJDPmqsPHhpbPH.99
From 1943 until World War II’s end, the men of the 455th Bombardment Group climbed into their big B-24 Liberators each day and headed toward their targets. They flew over Germany, Italy, Poland, and France, dropping bombs on oil refineries, railroads, and airfields. Over the course of 252 combat missions they would lose 118 aircraft. . .
No, you don't want to brag about it. But you can have your fellow Democrats matter-of-factly mention it as one of a number of your life accomplishments and things you've achieved.
And when George himself is asked about it, he can say something to the effect, I served honorably, as did a large number of other Americans. President Nixon served honorably in the Navy. We did what we were called upon to do.