I never thought of a thrill seeker and daredevil as a hero or someone to look up to. As I recall he was a convicted wife batterer and had a rather violent temper. Not a hero - or someone to look up to.

As far as I am concerned he was no more than a thrill seeker who managed to get tons of fans.

My grandfather fought in WWII and got two purple hearts and several other medals. Kneivel couldn't carry my grandpa's jock strap.