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