I'm impressed because I believe he means it. He could easily take on something less dangerous...the way most men of his class do, that is, if they're willing to do anything at all for their country.
Most men of his class?
While I have the utmost respect for Harry and what he is doing, it's really not all that unusual for members of his 'class' to serve in the military, and that often includes service in combat.
(Disclaimer - I know the Prince of Wales slightly, and like him, and am honoured to consider the Duke of York a friend, and really like him - so I'm not posting as an entirely disinterested party - but these people can't really defend themselves).
It's unusual for the actual heir to serve, because they do have a duty to stay alive to fulfil their constitutional function. But the Prince of Wales served in the Royal Navy for five years - and it was genuine service. He's also had a symbolic role in the military - but those five years were real naval service.
The Duke of York served in the Royal Navy for 22 years, again genuine service, including combat service in the Falklands.
Go back another generation - Her Majesty the Queen, as Princess Elizabeth, served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the last year of the Second World War.
The current Duke of Edinburgh (at the time His Royal Highness Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark) served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, including service in combat in the Mediterranean.
Back a further generation - His Majesty George VI (as HRH Prince Albert) served in the Royal Navy in World War I, including combat service at the Battle of Jutland. His Majesty Edward VIII (as HRH The Prince of Wales) served in the Grenadier Guards. Though denied a combat posting, he spent as much time as he could manage at the front. Their brother the Duke of Kent, served in the Royal Navy and then the Royal Air Force and was killed on active duty during World War II. Their other brother, the Duke of Gloucester spent 18 years in the peacetime British army, before returning to military service in World War II - rather ironic that the only career military man among the brothers had the least active experience.
The point is, Harry is simply doing what is expected of someone in his family. He could opt out (as his uncle the Earl of Essex really has) but that would be quite unusual.
He deserves honour and praise for what he is willing to do - but I don't like seeing the suggestion that others have not done their duty as well.
I can understand why some people (especially Americans) have issues with the whole ide of royalty - but whatever else you can say about the Royal family, or the relevance of their role, they have generally been patriots who have done their duty by their nation.