Abdullah Khadef Crawls into Line of Fire to Save Aleppo Stranger

This is one of those stories that defies explanation.  Some of those commenting on the video at the link below claim that it is a fake, a piece of CIA propaganda.  Those of us on the outside can never know for sure whether it is the CIA spouting propaganda or whether the blog commenter is the dysinformant.  But taken at face value, and ignoring the political side of it all, if this is real, then this is true courage.  The most touching parts of it for me were the cries of the other fighters: "Cover him!" someone shouts, and bullets begin to fly even faster as he - totally unarmed - works to save a downed civilian.  Courage is where you find it.  I may agree with none of his politics, but I honor his apparent courage in doing what he did solely to help a stranger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y34f1BCEj5Y

12-year-old Brian Oduor Fights Swift Water to Rescue Friend

When their boat became unbalanced and capsized in the Yala River in Western Kenya, Brian did all that he could to help his friends.  Most were lost, but at least one owes his life to Brian.  This is especially praiseworthy, because he had at first started toward shore, but returned to encourage and eventually rescue his friend.  Super!

(Map courtesy ScienceDirect.com)



http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000073381&story_title=Kenya:%20Brave%20boy%20risked%20his%20life%20to%20save%20that%20of%20a%20friend

The Kuljians: Loyalty, Bravery, Family...

This is one of those stories of courage and commitment that defies words.  This family was not about to lose any of their own without a fight.  Several of them drowned as a result.  Hearts go out to those who remain.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/27/howard-kuljian_n_2198110.html

Katrina Hays Enters Oxygen-Fed Blaze to Save a Neighbor

She couldn't just keep going, or even just call 911, because time was too short, so Ms. Hays went into a smoke-filled home with active flames to find an elderly resident.  What I love the most... her all-too-typical response: "Anybody would have done it."  Well maybe, but I'm glad that somebody like her was there.  Thanks Ms. Hays!

http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/Good-Samaritans-Save-Senior-Citizen-177129331.html

Creasey and Lessiter Ignored Flames to Free Truck Passenger

This one reads like an action novel, as two private citizens frantically worked to free a trapped person from a burning truck cab.  Moments after they got the man clear, the cab was fully engulfed by the flames.  The date isn't available in the article, but it certainly sounds as if they deserve the praise being lavished on them.  Congratulations!

http://www.bostonpeople.co.uk/Boston-dad-risked-life-save-man-Carl-Creasy/story-17135032-detail/story.html

12-year-old Seth Cutright Saves Grandmother After Explosion

When Rose Cutright inadvertently set off a propane explosion in their home, Seth was apparently in the same room with her as they watched TV.  This young man was in the middle of the same explosion as his grandmother!  Yet even though he would not have been blamed for simply escaping the advancing flames, he kept his head and braved those flames to rescue his grandmother.  Way to go Seth!

http://globalgrind.com/news/seth-cutright-12-year-old-saves-grandmother-burning-house-video

Delroy Simmons Braves Oncoming Train to Save Infant

This one just came to my attention.  It happened back in June, when Mr. Simmons jumped into the path of an oncoming subway train to pull an infant to safety.  Although the train was able to stop before reaching them, Simmons had no way to know that when he jumped onto the tracks.  Let's hope he was able to make his job interview.  Thank you, sir!

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/track_star_hero_jLjzmAGJu76a3ZExOf7RdM

Marcos Ugarte, 14, Pulls Youngster from Burning Home

When he and his father heard a commotion down the street, Marcos had to convince his dad that it was more than just a family argument.  It was a fire, and an 8-year-old was trapped in an upstairs bedroom.  This young man energized others to help, and personally climbed up to a second floor window to rescue the child.  We moan and gripe about teens doing things they shouldn't.  I thank God that there are so many who are willing to do what we should.  Thanks Marcos!

http://abcnews.go.com/US/oregon-family-teen-rescuing-boy-house-fire/story?id=17326114

6-year-old Dominick Andujar Dies Saving Sister

Kids like this one show us that heroism comes in all ages.  When he realized that his older sister was being sexually assaulted, he jumped in without hesitation, and he paid for that with his life.  It appears that drugs were a factor, and a neighbor has been arrested for the murder and attempted rape.  We will remember you, Dominick!

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120905/CRIME/309050025/Police-Camden-boy-died-protecting-sister?odyssey=tab|topnews|img|FRONTPAGE

The Aurora Shooter is a Childish Wimp

It is guys like Jon Blunk, Matt McQuinn, Alex Teves, and so many others who put themselves squarely into the line of fire to save others who have shown us all what real people are all about.  Forget that shooter wimp.  Remember these guys!  Please!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/aurora-shooting-boyfriends-died-protecting-girlfriends_n_1695290.html

4-Year-Old Xander Vento Succumbs After Saving Another

This story leaves you with almost nothing to add. When a small child is so concerned about the safety of another that he dies in an attempt to help, it truly is an inspiration!  Thank you Xander, and thanks to his family for sharing him with us, even for such a short time.

http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2012/08/the-angel-in-the-pool-4-year-old-boy-who-risked-his-life-to-save-a-drowning-girl-will-be-taken-off-life-support.html/

Mike White Shields Friends from Batman Shooter

You've heard about this one already, perhaps even seen interviews.  When all hell broke loose during a group outing to the theater, when a lone gunman began methodically working his way towards him and his friends firing shot after shot, Mike White helped four other escape or survive by exposing himself to the gunfire.  There is no preparation for a situation like this.  Wow!

http://www.denverpost.com/popular/ci_21182778?source=pop_neighbors_englewood

Colorado Wildfires

While the primary focus of this blog has always been personal acts of courage by non-professionals, I run across many stories about rescues "beyond the call of duty" by uniformed first-responders.  As a person whose neighborhood was just saved by the heroic efforts of firefighters, and whose safety was protected during it all by multiple law-enforcement professionals, I need to take a moment to salute those first responders that we all depend on every day.  Thanks for doing what you do... in neighborhoods all over the globe!

Mitchell Corbin Combines Training and Courage Atop Burning Car

(Photo Credit: KTRK-TV, Houston)

When he heard the cries of a bystander that there was still someone inside the burning car that lay on its side on the highway, Corbin showed resourcefulness, determination, and courage in his response.  The picture doesn't really do it justice, because the light conditions and background make it hard to tell that smoke is already pouring from under the hood, and would soon turn black and fill with 10-foot flames.  MSgt Corbin is a double-hero in my book.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8701824

J.D. Tennapel Sustains 2nd Degree Burns Riding ATV to warn Neighbors About Advancing Fire

What this 15-year-old did is truly inspiring.  When he realized that an advancing wildfire was bearing down on unwary neighbors, he climbed on his ATV to go warn them, and had to escape through the flames himself as a result.  Motorized vehicles also have to breathe, and if his machine had stalled in the thick smoke and flames, this story could have had a much sadder ending.  To top it off, the first online copy that I found of this Colorado-based story was in a UK news site!  Thanks JD!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2157325/Heroic-teen-risks-life-warn-neighbours-Colorado-wildfire-hundreds-evacuated-homes.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Zhou Chong Risks 40-foot fall to save Toddler

The video at the first link below says it all.  When I first saw the picture, I wondered if it were faked, but the video seems pretty solid, and the pictures in the second link nail it all down.  I just have to wonder why no one came to the rescue from above.  This is an amazing one-armed rescue while holding on to the building with the other.  There are good people all over the place!

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1207880--video-toddler-escapes-deathly-drop-as-nervous-crowd-watches

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2012-06/11/content_15493461.htm

New Zealander Julian Shah Took His Hippocratic Oath to New Levels

His comment about being in an unrehearsed scene from a James Bond movie is too close to accurate.  Running inside an actively collapsing building to help another person, then having to jump to the next building to escape is surreal!  Wow!  Well-deserved award for the doctor!

http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/9719709._The_city_was_in_ruins_but_I_knew_I_had_to_help_save_lives_/

UPDATE: Zhang Lili Loses Both Legs, But She Saves Two Kids

The teacher apparently responded instantly when a runaway bus threatened two of her students.  The teacher pushed them clear but was critically injured herself.  She is still fighting for her life.

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.asp?id=71333


UPDATE:  Word now is that she is off the respirator.  Other good news is that many people are rallying to her aid, with nearly $450K donated to support her treatment.  There are a lot of great folks out there!

http://english.cri.cn/6909/2012/05/22/2724s701104.htm

John Johannessen Pulls People from Two Burning Cars

You've got to be pretty pumped to just grab a window in your hands and break it out, then pull a 185-pound man out through the hole, but that's what Mr. Johannessen did for a total stranger.  Then he followed it up with two more saves as the vehicles burned.

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/05/14/man-honored-for-pulling-crash-victim-from-burning-car-on-pch/

New Jersey Man Jumps into Acid to Save a Friend

An un-named rescuer was listed in serious condition after jumping into a vat of concentrated nitric acid to rescue his co-worker.  Wow!

http://gothamist.com/2012/05/07/new_jersey_man_jumps_into_vat_of_ac.php

Ramona Gibbs Proves that there is No Age Limit On Sacrifice

This happend last year, but I only just found it.  Six-year-old Ramona saved her sister's life, paid dearly for it herself, and was so badly injured that she couldn't even recall her own actions.  (This kind of partial-amnesia is typical of circumstances where a person loses consciousness within a second or two of an event.)  After pushing her little sister out of the way of an oncoming car, she is now receiving some well-deserved recognition.  Congrats!

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Heroic-Ramona-risked-life-save-little-sister/story-15977315-detail/story.html

Coceka Mlobeli Braves Flames to Save Infant

Life is hard in so many parts of the world.  I have to count myself so blessed to be where I am.  All the same, people like this young girl who dove into a burning shack to save an infant after several others had been turned back by the heat prove that compassion and courage are not limited to any location.  Thank you Ms Mlobeli!

http://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/shack-fire-heroine-rewarded-with-smiles-1.1286028

South Bend Man Faces Gun To Help Older Woman

This kind of act is so over-the-top that it is kind of hard to believe.  The un-named good Samaritan came away without a scratch, but things could have gone horribly wrong when he faced two armed attackers who were pistol-whipping an older woman.  Why would he take such a risk to help a person he didn't even know?  He was MAD when he saw what these guys were doing.

Sometimes, mad is good.

http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-good-samaritan-comes-to-womans-aid-in-south-bend-20120427,0,3271948.story

KID Yamamoto Leads Rescue of Man from Subway Tracks

Sometimes it takes a single person to rally the onlookers and get them to rise to a need.  Mr. Yamamoto isn't a large man, but when he climbed down onto the subway tracks to help a larger man, the crowd was inspired to get behind him.  Together they saved the man from further injury.  We should all plan to be more than just bystanders if someone needs help.  We would hope they would do the same for us.

http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/4/19/2959873/kid-yamamoto-risks-his-life-to-save-injured-man-at-tokyo-subway

Heartland hero Bobby Heriford

If Bobby's story, kicking in the door of a burning house to save two kids he didn't even know, is any example, I'd say that the Southern Prairies have some truly courageous folks.  I guess this is what you do in the heartland.

http://ottumwacourier.com/local/x1789091723/Heriford-risked-his-life-for-strangers

Dr. Helen Grimsmo Tackles Everest in the Dark, Then Does Surgery

Climbing 1000 feet in the dark would be risky even on Pike's Peak.  When Dr. Grimsmo was called to help a fallen Sherpa guide part-way up Everest, she didn't hesitate.  This is one of those situations where no individual action appears all that risky, but the sum of them is pretty impressive.  Thanks for rising to the challenge doctor!

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/trainee-doctor-helen-grimsmo-risked-own-life-to-save-a-sherpa-1-3730355

Sam Padilla Dives to Bottom of Frigid 30-foot River After Another

When the small roadster crashed into the water and swiftly sank, Mr. Padilla did everything right.  He had others tie a rope around his waist, he took the tools he would need to free the victim and dove in, all while others arranged to contact 911.  The victim couldn't be saved, but Padilla sure gave it a smart, determined try.  Thanks for all you did!

http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_20359372/chico-state-student-tried-save-victim-crash-into

Newark Mayor Cory Booker Rescues Two From Fire

This one made the headlines because of the Good Samaritan's high profile, but it was a courageous act never-the-less.  It was made all the more noteworthy because the mayor actually had to get away from his own security detail in order to risk his own life to save the women.  Thank you Mr. Mayor!

http://www.christianpost.com/news/newark-mayor-fights-security-risks-life-to-save-neighbors-from-burning-home-73166/

Keith Barnes Recovering After I-94 Rescue Attempt

When he witnessed a rollover crash, Barnes immediately went to help a trapped driver.  But then the car, still in traffic lanes, was hit by another vehicle, severly injuring Barnes.  Word is that he is now on the mend, and scheduled to receive an award from the Minnesota Senator for his bravery.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/minnesota/good-samaritan's-kids-hope-for-recovery-release-dec-21-2011

http://kstp.com/article/stories/s2578486.shtml

Hazrat Ali Is Killed Trying to Help Mugging Victims

Mr. Ali gave all that he could give in an attempt to help several elderly women who were being attacked.  Assaults are extremely hazardous to anyone who chooses to help.  His family should be very proud of what he tried to do.

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=229337

Malaysian Hospitalized After Saving 70-yr-old Father in Knife Attack

When your own father is outnumbered by multiple attackers there may be only one possible response.  This son jumped in to even the odds, and was severely injured in the process.  I hope he recovers!

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/son-comes-to-father-s-rescue-in-robbery-attempt-1.67923

Ballonist Ed Restaino Sacrifices Himself to Save Skydivers

This is a tough one, because unless you are a pilot you can't really appreciate what this guy did.  He was sucked into a thunderstorm largely because he let his skydivers leave before it was too late.  Forecasting thunderstorms is an art, not a science.  He couldn't know in advance that this would happen, only that it "might".  When the updraft began pulling them into the cloud, keeping their weight on the balloon may have saved his life, but it would have put the skydivers at increased risk.  He chose to let them jump, knowing that there would be no way to save his own life with that much ballast gone.  What a guy!

http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/story.aspx?id=731945

Kristyn Dominy Pulls Woman and Child From Burning Car

Ms. Dominy is now my hero.  The article at the link below is very short, but if I read it correctly, she had ample reason to just drive by the victims and let someone else worry about it.  But like so many rescuers, Ms. Dominy found that she simply could not just drive on by and let them suffer.  Two people are alive, thanks to her.  Way to go!

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/society/transportation/cars/video-kristyn-dominy-rescues-driver-who-gave-her-finger

Kevin Pratt Dives Into 40-Degree Water to Save a Stranger

When a larger man got into trouble during an attempt to swim across the Willamette River, Mr. Pratt took a risky plunge.  The man was taken to the hospital with no pulse, but was later revived.  If Pratt had not gone out to help, the ending would probably not have been so positive.

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Witness-jumps-into-Willamette-to-help-drowning-man-141375733.html?tab=video&c=y

Robert George Dives Into Icy Water to save a Youngster

Four kids had fallen through the ice.  Three were able to struggle free with help from bystanders, but the fourth wasn't going to make it if Mr. George hadn't taken on the task of going into the water after the boy.  Everyone made it home!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/29/father-saves-kids-from-frozen-lake-robert-george_n_1310544.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003

Fiji Schoolgirl Rescues Friend From Burning Levuka Dorm

It's not clear just how old these public school kids were, but one young lady had just the skills required to help another make it out safely.

http://www.fijivillage.com/?mod=story&id=23021233e73284a6d8f95c193f7afc

Dave Brearley Goes into the River, In the Dark, to Save Another

It apparently started out as a stunt, but it quickly turned into a deadly struggle for the two men who tried to swim across the Yarra river at night.  When Mr. Brearley, who had warned the men of the danger, heard their cries, he quickly went to help.  He was able to save one of the panicky duo, but the other man was lost.  Thanks, Mr. Brearley!

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/man-drowns-in-yarra-river-after-heroic-waiter-saves-friend/story-fn7x8me2-1226277602423

Endbutt Lane in Crosby: Fire Rescue

An un-named rescuer makes two trips back and forth through flames to pull two people out of a burning apartment. There are still plenty of heroes out there! Thank you, Sir!

http://icseftonandwestlancs.icnetwork.co.uk/iccrosby/news/tm_headline=heroic-passerby-rescues-two-men-from-blaze-at-crosby-flat%26method=full%26objectid=30339280%26siteid=60252-name_page.html

Graham Parkinson Pulls Neighbor from Burning Apartment

With near-zero visibility and an unknown reason for the blaze, he chooses to press into the smoke.  The most gratifying (and encouraging) line in the article at the link below is from Mr. Parkinson himself, who tells us: "Anybody would have done the same."  Thank you, Mr. Parkinson!

http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/Quick-thinking-neighbour-pulls-man-safety-burning/story-15121035-detail/story.html

Into Murky, Freezing, 12-Foot-Deep Water to Help

When an un-named passerby jumped into a frigid river to pull this woman from her car, he was doing something that is even more dangerous than it first seems.  Often that first plunge into ice-water causes an instinctive inhalation.  If that happens while submerged the stage is set for lungs full of water.  Not only that, if the trapped woman had gotten a solid grip on the rescuer, he could have found himself fighting for his own life with the person he went to rescue.  Glad it all worked out.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_lake/good-samaritan-rescues-woman-who-drove-off-perry-township-road-into-grand-river

Ms. Revathy Pulls Sleeping Child From Burning Home

Even when the child's own grandmother chose not to go back in, Ms. Revathy took action instantly and got the child out of a fast-spreading fire.  No injuries!

http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/woman-risks-life-to-save-child-from-blazing-home-1.39647

Omari Takes on Machetes to Protect Kenyan Orphans

This is courage.  The picture at the bottom of this link will give you the chills.  That was truly close!

http://www.dailydot.com/society/reddit-money-kenyan-orphanage-machette-omari/

Jason Craft, Awakened by an Explosion, Braved Fire to Help

Even in this short story, there are several great lessons.  First, Jason called 911 before he did anything else.  It looks as though that saved at least one life. Second, it helps to know your neighbors and be on good terms.  Jason knew that his neighbor was disabled, and that contributed to his determination to help.  Third, the fire department was there VERY quickly, which can make all the difference.

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/16627948/man-saves-neighbor-from-burning-home

UPDATE: Steven Santiago Pulled Man From Tracks, Then Got Hit by Train

The story below went up several weeks ago.  A story at this link reports that Mr. Santiago has succumbed to his injuries.

http://gothamist.com/2012/02/26/good_samaritan_who_saved_drunken_fi.php


This kind of thing remains high-risk, and this is a case in point.  Last reported in critical condition with serious head injuries, Mr. Santiago was able to get another person clear, but did not leave enough time to get himself to safety.  A link contained in this article leads to a bit more information.  Hopefully Mr. Santiago will recover.
http://gothamist.com/2012/01/10/man_who_saved_drunk_from_si_train_t.php

Jacqui O'Conner Braves Live Powerlines in Bid to Help Balloon Crash Victims

This was risky business.  Often High-Tension lines can kill without even being touched.  If moist, the ground around them can become sufficiently electrified to incapacitate anyone nearby.  This was a terrible tragedy, and Ms O'Conner and her friend showed a lot of moxie to even try to help.

http://m.smh.com.au/world/nz-hot-air-balloon-crash-11-killed-20120107-1pozl.html?page=2

Shankar Maity On the Mend After Saving Hopital Patients from Fire

I failed to include the link to his actions the first time that I mentioned Mr. Maity.  You can learn more about what he did at this link.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2704663.ece

But now it appears that he and many others who volunteered to help may be offered jobs as a way of saying "thanks".  Good to hear!

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amri-fire-mamata-offers-jobs-to-youth-who-rescued-patients/1/164187.html