I also remember feeling cold when I went into a life-threatening surgery.
Like you, when asked how I was I said that I had cold feet.
I guess the nurse thought I was using an euphemism for having second doubts or fear and he replied; “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
I suddenly realized that what I had said must have sounded less than stoic and so I quickly rephrased my statement by adding; “No, I mean my feet are cold.” which they were, and the nurse added a further blanket which he wrapped around my feet.
Those operating rooms must be cold places!

It’s probably best not to get political on a tech blog. However, just to clarify, I doubt piloting a plane into a building qualifies as an act of cowardice. It may be silly and pointless but it takes bravery. Dropping bombs from 40,000 ft on civilians – now that’s cowardice.