Gary, any combat vet I've ever talked to in many years of talking to vets, never wore it on his sleeve, or used it as a club to try and shut someone up.
Quite the contrary. They are generally the most humble and respectful people I've ever known. I have yet to meet one who would wish you to see combat just so you could understand it better.
I'd suggest whoever it was, probably wasn't a real combat vet. Bill Mauldin, back in WW2 did a great Willie and Joe cartoon, where some really beat up vets are sitting down, looking dead tired. Another soldier with his fists clinched, clean shaven and helmet cocked is strutting by. I'll try and scan it later.
One of the combat guys comments something like this" "That can't be no combat vet. He's looking for a fight!"
Sounds like the guy you ran into.