[A2J]

The soldier fought bravely and with honor, that is all that matters.

Agreed.

All that is required for one to be considered a true soldier and patriot is for one to fight bravely and with honor.

But for one to be a hero, he/she must have gone beyond the minimum demands of being a patriot.

This seems fishy because of the debate of whether women should be in combat situations. I wouldn't be surprised if this was cooked up by NOW or some other liberal group intent on keeping women on the front lines.

[HairOfTheDog]

But for one to be a hero, he/she must have gone beyond the minimum demands of being a patriot.

Good grief. We have room for many heros in this country. For her to be a hero to some does not threaten you or your heros.

[glennaro]

I was going to concede your strict academic definition of "hero" until I consulted The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition, 2000:

"HERO - A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life."

and The Oxford English Dictionary (paperback):

"HERO/HEROINE - A person admired for courage, outstanding achievements, etc."

These definitions appear to me to apply to PFC Lynch.