Not being a coward does not automatically mean one is a hero.
The word ‘hero’ has a meaning. When its meaning is so broadly applied, it loses its true meaning.
My son thinks I am his ‘hero’. No I am not, I am merely a responsible father.
“Not being a coward does not automatically mean one is a hero.”
Flying combat missions behind enemy lines qualifies as heroism in my book. Doing so knowing that being shot down will result in either death or torture (or both) means you are risking your life and accepting the possibility of severe torment for your country. It goes well beyond “not being a coward”.