courageous
adj : possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching; "Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring"- Herman Melville; "a frank courageous heart...triumphed over pain"- William Wordsworth; "set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory" [syn: brave, fearless] [ant: cowardly]
Military service at best is uncomfortable, booring and an endless repeat of the previous days drills and physical exercise. One veteran of World War II who later became a noted author was no doubt speaking of his own Naval service on a resupply ship when he said, "We sail from tedium to monotony with side trips to apathy."
However, active service as a combat infantryman adds to the monotony of life in the military service moments that are the ultimate test of an individual who in seconds must master the chaos and danger. It is a moment that no training course can fully train an individual to meet. At the moment of contact the soldier will either hold his ground, advance on the enemy, or retreat.
The majority will hold their ground and return fire. A minority will retreat from danger. The heroic soldier will advance on the enemy if at all possible. These are the leaders who win the war -- and they often make the ultimate sacrifice for liberty, or suffer terrible wounds.
Read this story of a man who sailed into harm's way for God and Country:
http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/one-more-reason-for-hope.htm
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