I'm not sure if a comment like that per-say would work in my sitch. But I do find that, oh take at night for example, when he strips down and climbs into bed....he really likes it when I snuggle up the way he likes and I say something about appreciating his effort to come to bed the way I like him to. I can literally almost feel his chest puff up.
It's stuff like this that I need to be more forthcoming with....and I'm working on it, I think my biggest battle is conciously recognizing it when I'm not doing it...know what I mean? At least I know right now it's something I need to work on, so I think that's a good thing to help me keep this in the forefront of my mind.
Of course any other suggestions on things to say/do...are always welcome My H has never been the "macho marine" yours was though. At least, not as far as I know.