'In the heat of battle' is a phrase that connotes the extremity of the human condition. The battlefield is a canvas on which is sometimes painted the virtues of bravery, sacrifice, and extraordinary leadership--and which is sometimes the scene of disgrace. There are those like Ross McGinness who throw themselves onto a grenade to save the lives of their squadmates and those like William Calley who panic under the strain and unleash the My Lai massacre...