What's the difference between a war hero and a combat veteran?

[Bucky]

Does any act of heroism automatically make you a hero per se, or is there some heroism threshold one has to cross. I mean, not everyone who acts honorably gets the Medal of Honor, nor does everyone who acts distinguished earn the Distinguished Service Cross. It just seems that the phrase "hero" gets bandied about pretty easily. Shouldn't it be reserved for the few soldiers who show exceptional bravery or the rappers who display an exceptional volume of bling?

[Lerkfish]

1. it appears to be subjective, but in my opinion, a "war hero" should be someone

goes above and beyond the normal service, who risks himself in an extraordinary to save his fellows, or who comes up with a strategy or solution that ends the conflict quicker with lower loss of life.

but hey, that's just me, and that is not t downplay normal service at all.

[msongs]

2. a veteran was there, a hero did something unusual? nt

[Hangingon]

3. If you felt the heat and did your job, you are a hero to me.

[theboss]

4. I think it requires an act of heroism, but your mileage may vary on what such an act is

Medals, by and large, are a bad indicator.

[rocktivity]

5. A war hero is a combat veteran

who who a politician just happens to be talking about.

:eyes:
rocknation

[potisok]

6. Depends on who's telling the story

A friend of mine was awarded the silver star (WW II), when ask, stated to me he just did what any one in his position would have done. I had known him for twenty plus years and his wife told me of his award not him. He is my hero. The term hero is used far to freely today.