he nearly lost a leg and suffered a traumatic brain edjury, but he continued to serve until earlier this month when he retired after nearly 34 years in uniform. >> you know, if you are in it for the right reasons, it's always going to be difficult to say good-bye. >> reporter: the hallmark of a great picture is that in the instant it was taken, it tells you everything you need to know about what happened. >> there are exceptional young men and women in this country who are willing to serve, who are willing to make sacrifices and who are willing to defend this great nation. >> reporter: bradley kasal bet his life on those words. 14 years ago in fallujah having lost half his blood from his wounds, he refused medical attention until all the other wounded marines were treated first. david martin, cbs news, the pentagon. >> golodryga: and we salute sergeant major kasal and everyone else who serves this country. that is the "cbs evening new in the face of senseless violence, we need hope.