Let's make this birthday one to remember.

77 years old (Born on November 28, 1947)

Happy birthday, Gustav Hasford! Your gritty tales from Vietnam gave us "The Short-Timers," a novel so vivid it marched straight onto the big screen as "Full Metal Jacket." Thanks for teaching us that war stories can be both haunting and oddly hilarious—your sharp wit still echoes louder than Sergeant Hartman's drill commands.

From your Marine Corps days to penning classics like "The Phantom Blooper" and "A Gypsy Good Time," you've shown us how life's toughest moments can inspire timeless storytelling. Here's hoping your birthday is filled with fewer boot camp flashbacks and more cake-induced laughter. Semper Fi, Gus!