Depends on, where he is defending his homeland. In a far away country, that isn't a real thread, he's everything but a hero.
If it's in his homeland, both are the heroes here.

Well... back then maybe there were a few heroes. But now a days they might as well be expensive drone magnets. I don't even know why they give them guns anymore. Might as well be pillows so when the drone doesn't finish you, you'll have somewhere to lay your head as you meet you maker. Ai and robots are awesome. Until they detonate.