What does it take to become a war hero?

[just_a_sliver]

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer:

What does it take to become a war hero? Is it enough to just go to war? Does it matter whether a soldier is drafted or enlists? Must he be injured or killed? Must he go beyond the call of duty? How would you separate heroes from a group of ordinary soldiers?

Comments

[whayagonnado]

I've always thought of all soldiers as heroes. Although, your distinctions make me think.

I think there are no ordinary soldiers. I think simple by going to war, they are heroes.

Doesn't the military have recognition above and beyond for most of your distinctions? I mean there's the purple heart, etc.

I suppose it is hard for me to take a cynical stance on this. I have this idealistic idea of the military and those that serve in it. It allows me to continue my support for them.

I keep thinking about soldiers who do terrible things like torture civilians or allegedly murder a fellow solider. I would not consider these people as heroes.

I think unless you have been convicted (by the military) or dishonorable discharged; you are a hero.

Is my point of view too naive?

[just_a_sliver]

I don't think so, but I do believe our view of heroism in general has been diluted. I agree that the uniform bestows honor because it is a great calling to serve in the United States military. However, every soldier is continually trained to do extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances. This is why I seek others' viewpoints on this, to decipher the meaning of heroism in wartime

[budmassey]

Unfortunately, I think we live in an era when the term "hero" has been co-opted by NeoCons with an agenda. They tend to refer to all soldiers as heroes, with the idea that what they are doing is therefore heroic. What they are doing, however, is being compelled to serve in an unjust war. Their actions may indeed be heroic, but the war is not.

I think that courageous conduct in a noble cause creates heroes, but there again you have a problem. While our current wars may not be considered noble causes, there are still many soldiers who conduct themselves courageously for their own noble cause; to protect a compatriot, to aid and protect civilians, or whatever may be their personal cause.

What consitutes a hero? I guess there is no easy answer. But the term surely does get overused these days.

[just_a_sliver]

I agree. I think of the World War II generation of soldiers, when such a huge proportion of our male population went to war, and everyone who came home was a hero. I don't want to disrespect their service because as a group, they accomplished some phenomenal work, saving the world from tyranny and all. The world would certainly be a different place without their sacrifices. I just think that to be considered a true hero, a soldier must rise above the standard set by other soldiers.

[whirlwitch]

Is it enough to just go to war?I don't think going to war is required. Conscientious objectors can also be war heroes, especially in cases where they will face imprisonment, or where they are put to work in non-combat positions which are as strenuous and life-threatening as combat roles. The British WWII war objectors who served as stretcher bearers, nightly saving lives amidst the bombs, are a good example - they were all heroes

[sibertater]

I'd say anyone who comes home alive but that's not exactly what I mean. I hate that people have to die for war. I don't really care for war, although I know it's sometimes necessary but WTF are we still doing over there? I just want everyone to come home and stop dying.

Does that make sense?

[just_a_sliver]

I agree that the war in Iraq has gone horribly wrong (not that it was ever right in the first place). I would like to see our soldiers come home and stay home.

[sibertater]

Who do you have to elect to end this war?

[just_a_sliver]

Not McCain! It's too bad because I used to like him so much. Now he just looks like an ignorant dinosaur.