I'm so sick of the over used word Hero. Getting shot out of the sky, taking a bullet on the ground, dying in an attack on a warship is all part of what is expected in combat billets.
Hero to me, is those who go beyond the call of their designated duties. Of course, I admire all Military who sacrifice much in their normal duties, I reserve Hero status for those who show extraordinary efforts to protect their brothers-in-arms that will result in their own death.
Think of jumping on a grenade or holding a position so others can fall back and re-group or sailors who died going in to flooding compartments on a ship to save those trapped like on the Cole. A couple went in even though they knew it was fruitless - they died.
I'm sure there are many unsung Heroes (especially ground grunts) that happen all the time and don't get the recognition. Dying or being maimed is expected in any combat billet. That's the job.
Roger that.