I see your point, but I could say that I’d never want to fight General Patton even though as General I don’t believe he actually killed or fought personally the enemy. Further, St Joan returned to battle after taking an arrow between the neck and shoulder. Personally I’d like to stay on the good side of Joan of Arc. But, again, I get the point.
My main point (which I failed to elucidate) was that ‘fighters’ are a many - great leaders are rare. Some leaders earn their respect through skill in battle. Some leaders earn it through rhetoric. Those who earn it through strength of character, wisdom & integrity are very, very rare.
If a friend, they are to be followed.
If a foe, to be feared.
Joan of Arc obviously was not the “baddest dude in France”, but rather the greatest leader of her time. As a woman in that time, she was doubly deserving of the accolade.