Non-answer of the day.
Words mean things. I am a disabled vet. Vietnam era. I did my duty as did many others. I do not consider myself a hero by the proper definitions below. While every vet should be appreciated for their service you have to draw the line somewhere on what is truly “heroic” or the word loses meaning.
1.
a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.
2.
a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal:
He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child.
3.
the principal male character in a story, play, film, etc.
4.
Classical Mythology.
a being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.
(in the Homeric period) a warrior-chieftain of special strength, courage, or ability.
(in later antiquity) an immortal being; demigod.
5.
hero sandwich.
6.
the bread or roll used in making a hero sandwich.