A young Marine Officer was severely wounded in the head by a grenade, but the only visible permanent injury was to both of his ears, which were amputated.
Since his hearing wasn't impaired he remained in the Marine Corps. Many years later he eventually rose to the rank of Major General.
He was, however, very sensitive about his appearance.
One day the General was interviewing three Marines, prospects for his Headquarters Staff.
The first was an aviator Captain, and it was a great interview. At the end of the interview the General asks, "Do you notice anything different about me?" The Captain answered, "Why, yes, Sir, I couldn't help but notice you have no ears." The General got very angry at his lack of tact and threw him out.
The second interview was with a logistics Lieutenant, and he was even better. The General asked him the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?" The Lt replied sheepishly, "Well, Sir, you have no ears." The General threw him out also.
The third interview was with a grunt Gunnery Sergeant. He was articulate, extremely sharp and obviously knew more than the two Officers combined. The General wanted this Marine, and asked the same question, "Do you notice anything different about me?"
To his surprise the Gunny replied, "Yes, Sir, you wear contact lenses."
The General was very impressed and thought, what an incredibly observant SNCO, and has the tact not to mention my ears. "And how do you know that I wear contacts?" the General asked. "Well, Sir," the Gunny replied, "it's pretty hard to wear glasses with no freakin' ears."