Addressing thousands of fans at a rally in Selma, N.C., Trump began by naming Medal of Honor recipients in attendance. He began listing them when he paused and compared them to himself.

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"Oh, they're so much more brave than me," Trump said. "I wouldn't have done what they did."

He quickly added, "I'm brave in other ways. I'm brave, I'm financially brave. Big deal, right? These are real brave."

Trump, who has never served in the military, has sought to bind himself as tightly as possible to active duty soldiers and veterans since launching his campaign last year.

"It's a state that's produced many of the finest and bravest soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines, ever to wear the uniform," Trump said.

"Known for it," he added. "I stand here tonight among true heroes. I'm also honored to be among so many military families ... who shoulder the burdens of war. Brave people."

"Tough cookies," he said. "I'm not going to be playing with them, I'm telling you."

Trump said he noticed a "big, strong, powerful" military guy backstage and asked his team, "You think I could take this guy in a fight? You think I could take him?"

"They all said no," he said.

Trump said he agreed with his team's assessment.