Quote Originally Posted by Scurvy
heroism = stupidity, anyone who risks there own life to save others surely isn't thinking too straight at the time - i honestly don't think i ever would, but i still admire them for it, its odd, because i kind of like and dislike heroism at the same time.....
That feeling is called jealousy.

To me a hero is usually someone who is still alive after a great deed, though I am not sure what great deed that could be. If someone dies in an heroic way, he may be called a hero as well, but his heroism is of no more use to anyone. Personally I'd define a hero in the moment I hear about his deed or deeds or what he accomplished, I wouldn't put any definition down. And giving someone the medal of honor after seath is only good for his family, maybe it makes them feel a little bit better about his death, but it won't bring that person back.