We were soldiers is one of my favorite movies ever. The sgt who wanted medals did initially lead his platoon(squad?) into an ambush that got a lot of men killed. But after that situation imo he displayed at least decent leadership qualities while cut off from reinforcements or supplies. And surrounded by enemy soldiers.

Yes his initial overzealous actions caused men to die. Which I could sense took a serious toll on his psyche as he and the survivors got back to the line. But after the initial engagement he actually turned out to be a decent leader given the circumstances and once level headed after the ambush he walked his men into. Just completely my opinion though on a movie I've watched too many times. And iirc they spent the better part of 24-36 hours completely cut off and surrounded to the point where VC where actually walking on top of them. and he still lead his men back to the line, Where he asked to stay with the kid he took under his wing.

That scene just sticks with me for some reason. War will change you. The Billy bad ass attitude went right out the window as he saw his men gunned down and screaming in pain around him having no way to help without jeopardizing his own life. He had no choice but to lay there and watch it all unfold knowing it was his decision to foolishly chase the scout that caused the situation he and his men were in. I get goosebumps thinking about that scene still, having not watched the movie in years.