Indeed, but it has to be said that this was one of the first real times that Dick proved he had that level of will and awesomeness within him. In 1982 he was still Robin, and always viewed as Batman's junior partner when he appeared in Batman titles, a lighter, more cheerful hero than Batman perhaps, and whilst no slouch, still a (comparative) lightweight.
Wolfman and Perez were setting the groundwork here for him achieving the levels of respect he now has.