Actually, I'm not making a case for him being a hero (or one for him not being a hero). Until this discussion, I never really thought too much about it.

He is lauded for remaining at his post until minutes before the sinking sending CQD and SOS signals. He died in the sinking. That is all that I have ever heard about him. Presumably, he had as much (or as little) opportunity as other crew members to get to a life boat, but stayed at his post, which is, I suppose, why some people say that he is a hero.

Whether or not that qualifies as 'heroic' is open to interpretation.

Daniel