There are two parts to an explosion, the visual part and the auditory part. Perhaps he should have said he saw an explosion followed by a big bang. He might have felt the shock wave. What do you say, wow?

I'd say that if anyone on this board should know, it's you ... a veteran of WWII in the Pacific.
And just in case nobody's mentioned it lately : Thank you for giving up part of your life protecting "our lives, our liberty and our sacred honor."
wow