In the Leader of the Democracies, the Land Of The Free, a person who refuses to serve in what is seen as an illegal war might get severely reprimanded...

I respect him for his convictions, especially if he would go do other fronts that are equally dangerous.

I agree that if he were let off as the war is illegal, this sets a precedent. But IMO that is a good thing. The army is there to serve the government, and hence the people. When the government fails to serve the people, the army should at the very least refuse orders. One could argue it is their duty to act against those ordering illegal actions.