[stainlessbanner]

show me conclusive proof that they did something SPECIFICALLY heroic, fine.

Those soldiers are deployed overseas to protect your right to post on FR from your sticky keyboard, son. They are ALL heroes in my book - God Bless them.

[Illbay]

Okay, okay, they're all "heroes" because they went in the first place, I'll buy that. But I continue to submit that the term is used far too loosely.

Oh, and FWIW: Remember that they were fighting for and under the flag of that hideous tyranny that you and your fellow-travelers believe needs to be overthrown so that "true freedom" can flourish in the South, or whatever.

Need to be sparing of your praise, I think.