You should probably see
this thread for the discussion on that.
In short though, if you are too lazy
He has an Iron Cross on his coat to signify he is of "hero" status.
And, no - nobody cares if that wasn't how they were told/mostly did not wear their medals blah blah, that is how TWI have decided to have it -
they are fully aware that was not the usual way.
No, everyone will not look like that after a few months because (please god I'm tired of saying this bit)
the hero class is limited to a very small number per server. So even if everyone has levelled up enough to have access to the weapons in the class (doubt that'll only take a few months tbh), only a lucky few will have them at any same time during a game...unless you're playing on some retarded server with unlimited hero classes...