Is it better to be a live coward or a dead hero?

Question

In the early days of the Iraq war, on the last day of his sad life, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who worked at a fast food restaurant, showed valor that no U.S. soldier has matched in Iraq.

Smith's men came under attack April 4, 2003, as they mopped up after the capture of Baghdad's airport. The sergeant braved hostile fire to evacuate three wounded soldiers and single-handedly killed dozens of enemy soldiers before being killed himself as he covered the evacuation of other wounded Americans.

Smith posthumously became the only soldier th receive the medal of honor. His family is very proud of Sgt Smith. The fast food company stated Smith could make a mean hambuger and hot fries.
( Note:...My question is this....Would you rather be a live coward or a dead hero? )

Answer 1

Ask Sgt Smiths family if they would rather have a living coward or a dead hero.......

Answer 2

Although most people do not want to die - to do so as a hero is the ultimate sacrifice. I would rather be that hero than the coward. As a coward, I would have a hard time living with myself. We all have respect for heros. Even though I do not know Sgt. Paul Smith, I admire his courage and what he did. I am thankful that there are men and women like him. That what makes this country great.

Answer 3

Why did you have to take the piss out of his memory at the end of that statement by making that up about "the fast food company stated Smith could make a mean hamburger and hot fries"?

That is uncalled for and just petty.

I hope that I will never show cowardice in any way, and I am determined that when I die, which I surely will, it will not be on my knees to any man.

Sergeant Smith probably never thought of himself as a hero, he probably just thought he was doing his job, but his actions certainly make him one.

If you believe in karma, or fate, we all have a time to go and surely it is better to go like he did than as a coward or a mean spirited individual?

Answer 4

I like this question. It is reminisent of the old "better dead than red" debate in the 60s and 70s.

It is better to die as a hero - standing for what is right and protecting the freedoms of others. There is no honor in living as a coward or neglecting duty.

Answer 5

I supposed that's between you and your faith. I would guess that your family would prefer that you be alive and cowardly for selfish reasons, so they could live with you longer. But...could you live with yourself as a coward? Could you actually sacrifice yourself for another? Depends on which side of the bed you get tossed out of in the morning. Maybe the true answer to that questions would be another question...what is your definition of coward and hero?

Answer 6

Dead Hero all the way, I sometimes hope to be put into a situation where I can be that hero, be that person that people will remember dying for a just cause.

Answer 7

I would want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and be proud of the guy I see.

If that means risking my life for this privilege, then that's the way it is.

Answer 8

To answer your question properly, one has to be in his 'shoes'! But, if I was in his 'shoes' I would hope to do the same thing, better to be remembered a hero than not remembered at all.

Answer 9

Dead Hero. I don't know why, don't ask. It just seems better in my mind right now.

Answer 10

Of course it's better to be alive. The real question is, do you want to base all your decisions on what's best for YOU?