Exactly. I think most people of that era come across that way.
I think you have been unlucky in your experience of meeting WW2 veterans. In the 30 years or so that I ran a militaria shop I must have spoken to hundreds from all the services and in general I found them modest and self effacing. I have mounted gallantry medals for men who would have been highly embarrassed to be called heroes, but who undoubtedly were. One man I never met but would have loved to was Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, VC. This was a man who was an acknowledged hero, but who after the war moved on and devoted his life to the service of those less fortunate than himself.
You don't have to be an arse to be a hero.