[Dogfaced Soldier]

The concept of bad-boys making better combat soldiers is a good story line but not in line with my experience and not backed up by studies. One extensive study of decorated soldiers in WWII completed by researchers at Cornell and Georgia Tech divided a population of combat decorated heroes into eager heroes and reluctant heroes.

These are the general characteristics of each type that the authors reported. They are not typically that associated with “bad boys”:

General Characteristics of “Reluctant Heroes”:

Works well with others
Makes friends easily
Sociable
Less self-centered
Less self-confident
Respectful of authority

General Characteristics of Eager Heroes:

Self-disciplined
Resourceful
Self-confident
Adventurous
Flexible
Risk-Taker

For those who would argue that the general characteristics of the “eager heroes” could be equated to “bad boys” then the study went on to predict potentially identifying characteristics for “eager hero” types at both the high school level and from basic training. I'll leave it to the reader to determine if the profile fits a “bad boy”:

Potentially Identifying Characteristics in
High School Seniors:
High school leader
High energy
Athlete
Not necessarily exceptional grades

Potentially Identifying Characteristics in
Basic Training:
Competitive and highly involved
Applies self physically
Frequent volunteer
Intelligent risk taker
Possibly a grand stander

[yarddog]

Now that you mention it, the most decorated soldier of WWI was Seargent York. He was a consiencious objector and devout Christian.