Phreak,

Yes, I did say he was a good soldier because it looks like he is blindly patriotic and unquestioningly follows orders. My limited experience with military people indicates that those are considered attributes of a “good soldier.” Military authority has almost no tolerance of questioning, as I understand it. No, I wasn’t trying to undermine the man or his actions. I’m convinced that he is extremely patriotic, even if its blindly or unquestioningly so; I was reporting my observation. And I believe his bravery is unquestionable. Not everyone could be so cool under fire - literally - as he was, not to mention maintaining his composure as a captive.

I agree that Hamill demonstrates most of your attributes 1 through 12, but I didn’t think those attributes equated with heroism. Come on now, a strong work ethic and commitment to family and country - that’s heroism? It’s your yardstick, and if you think people who demonstrate those attributes are heroes, that is your prerogative. The context I was considering is that heroes are those who do more than serve in a war theater. I thought hero status was reserved to those who placed themselves at personal risk to save a wounded buddy and that sort of thing. It appears to me that what Hamill did was maintain his composure so that when luck and coincidence permitted he was able to take advantage of the opportunity to escape. I don’t see this as undermining him at all; I’m acknowledging his bravery and his composure; but my yardstick didn’t measure that as heroism, that’s all.

And at the risk of being way too analytical, but since you listed 12 attributes, at 5 and 6, would you describe his good leadership (leader of one?) and will to fight. He didn’t fight, but showed a lot of moxee for surviving.

I think I’m finished with this thread. I wanted to mention I saw part of the interview and report my observation, not trash the guy, but striving for accuracy sometimes seems to create wrong impressions.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.