A rich man's son who didn't have his rich daddy dearest BUY and LIE his way out?
Nope. He talked his way om having to convince his family it was what he wanted to do. And then later after PT 109 sunk he was going to be sent home with his crew mates. He refused and opted to STAY IN and take on another PT boat. Some of his crew stayed with him.
Two rich men's sons. One a Hero. One a COWARD.
Go figger. The rich may not be like you and me but they are certainly NOT LIKE ONE ANOTHER EITHER.