[The Wizard]

now don't you all come down on me, but heros?

The POW's are special, but doesn't hero imply some special action or activity that "saved" or otherwise affected in a positive way the condition of others

[Catspaw]

Given that they survived weeks in captivity at the hands of the Iraqis (see pictures of those torture chambers?), they're definitely heros in my book. Ditto for Pfc. Lynch. The rescuers hold a status higher than heros.

[not-an-ostrich]

This arguement is easy to squelch. All our forces are heros.

[Timeout]

OK, "hero" is a relative term.

Generally, as you imply, "hero" is reserved for those who have acted above-and-beyond in saving others or applying extra effor against the enemy.

I'm using the term loosely here....
"those who will get their own parade when they come home." :)

As I said, real loose definition.

[Jackie-O]

Anyone who serves his/her country, whether in combat, or on a supply mission, and is captured by the enemy and more than likely tortured by tis savage enemy, is a hero in any book.
How's that? ;0)