Hmmm. Always extremely difficult to put one in someone else's shoes, but I think most men would have done it. Thank God you weren't put in that position, for as you stated, you would not be here today. Scary thought yes?
It's the attitude that takes the bite. For Pete's sake, why not just say I'm was scared as hell. Did he think the cocky attitude would be persuasive. I think he got really lucky that he didn't get a dishonorable discharge, etc. Not to show up for his re-assignment was the real catcher here.
Yes, I wonder too what he wound up doing and if that cocky attitude got him more than he bargained for later in life. Probably.
Can't say I blame you for not calling out his name. Better to walk away from that scenario and leave sleeping dogs lie.
But, that was definitely a scary situation. Just thinking about it makes me heart race. Those poor men. 
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"