Norman repeatedly says how he *almost* won the Silver Star for valor. At first, it appears as a boast; as though he discusses how he was very close to being recognized as a hero. After we find out what happens to Kiowa, that sentence changes meaning. Is Norman actually bragging about almost winning the star, or is he trying to say something else?

Explanation:

Norman was not actually bragging about him getting to win the silver cup of man of valor rather he was lost in his thought of how he couldn't save kiowa from death and he needed to tell someone about his story. He started rehearsing how to share it with his father by starting with the fact that he almost won the silver award for valor but couldn't get to terms that he could not save Kiowa.

The award was usually given by the military but Normans father never believe in award as the true test of one's goodness and it is one of the challenge Norman is having in relating his ordeal to his father.

cause they were to dumb to get their college education to become a real   : )