Final answer:
The soldiers likely identify themselves as survivors, a term that reflects their resilience and determination in the face of adversity and aligns with historical accounts of soldiers' experiences during conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the context provided from the various excerpts, the soldiers would most likely identify themselves first and foremost as survivors. The term survivor is indicative of the resilience and determination to continue in spite of the harsh circumstances faced in battle or war, as described in the excerpts. Soldiers who lose the sense of fear when in desperate straits and who fight hard when there is no help for it are embodying the essence of survival. Moreover, this characteristics align with historical accounts of soldiers' experiences during times of conflict, where the primary focus is often on surviving the ordeal of war.