What is courage? Doing what you're told, even if you think it is immoral? Calling for death from your chair?

Question

Or standing up for what you believe in, regardless of the cost to you? Lt. Watada volunteered for any orders that were legal, regardless of the conflict level, yet so many here would have his blood. Perhaps a small history lesson is in order, relating to the duty of an officer.
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/nuremberg/NurembergIndictments.html
Pay special attention to article 8.
Perhaps before you crucify somebody who shows actual conviction in the face of lunacy, you can do a little research inbetween games of WarCraft? It's easy to throw criticism on a soldier from your Lay-Z-Boy.

Answer 1

i notice you havent received any answers yet - maybe because you made a valid point and all the armchair generals on here cant come up with anything intelligent or worthwhile to be considered.

if my LT told me to shoot someone for no valid reason and i refused, i'd be up **** creek but it would be worth it because it wasnt a justified order. the first and most fundamental basis of army training is to follow orders without thinking ( until you're comissioned - you arent paid to think)

Answer 2

Courage in the case mentioned is fulfilling the contract signed and not using the military as a free ride. He swore an oath and he signed his name on the dotted line. To breech that oath and contract is being a coward, not courage.
International Tribunal! He swore an oath to the US (and all) not to the International Tribunal. There is a big difference.

USMC 1989-1994

Answer 3

Courage is obeying your oath to the US Constitution and not allowing your personal political opinions as excuses not to do your duty.

As you pointed out this guy swore an oath to obey all lawful orders. So unless he can supply an existing 'on the books' law that the order violates - it is his duty to obey it.

Answer 4

"Courage is endurance for one moment more."
--Unknown Marine Second Lieutenant in Vietnam

Answer 5

courage is facing any obstacles whether good or evil.