I tend to look at people as more than just a brain (thought) and body (action)
We also have souls. And the soul of a soldier is what I admire. The brain may not be proper, and the body may not always do the right thing... but the soul remains true to it's calling.
That, to me, is what makes a hero.
That's a noble sentiment. I definitely see where you're coming from, and I'll meet you halfway. But, morality is not always as grey as the lefties would have us believe; Hitler may have had noble intentions, but he's a monster, not a hero.
It depends what means you use to achieve your ends (which must be noble) whether someone is a hero or not.