Quote Originally Posted by Hannibal99
My definition of Heroism:

Someone who makes an act of courage out of good will, even though they didn't have to.

The soldier DIDN'T have to throw himself on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers, but he did it out of good will, trying to keep his other teammates alive. Thats heroism to me.
That nailed it. The "didn't have to,... but did" bit is the essential element, I think. Yelling: "Grenade" to alert other nearby people satisfies the requirement of doing one's duty; even our negative Nova Scotian will admit that, I'm sure. Smothering the boomski with one's own body in a split-second decision, although arguably inefficient, we must assume a charitable motive.

p.s. Since the 1800's, US doctrine has been the 4 S's in handling prisoners in the field: Search, Silence Safeguard, and Speed. GI's are held responsible for the safe transport of prisoners, regardless of their previous combatant status.