John Servati Sacrifices his Life for his Friend

When a tornado had him and his girlfriend trapped in the basement of a collapsing house, Servati's quote captures the spirit of so many people who rescue others:

"I’m going to make sure you’re OK whether I'm OK or not."

Servati did not survive, but before he died he did what he said he would do.  His effort to extricate his friend from the structure was successful.  Awesome!

http://wiat.com/2014/09/30/tornado-rescue-convinces-woman-of-purpose-in-life/

Nameless Man Enters Water to Pull Victim from Shark

Individual sharks typically hit-and-run when attacking swimmers, not staying around for another attack.  The reason this attempted rescue still stands out was that the rescuer had no way of knowing how many sharks there were!  Bravo, sir... Thank you!

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/09/man-killed-in-shark-attack-at-byron-bay

Car-Fire Rescuer Comes Out of Nowhere, Then Disappears

The story at the link below is one of so many that carry a similar theme:  A rescuer appears, risks his or her life to help someone else, and then vanishes, with no thought or desire for recognition.  A mother and two children may owe their lives to one man's willingness to dive into a burning car to get them out before it was too late.  Thank you, sir!

http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/woman-rescued-from-car-fire-seeks-person-who-saved-her-life/27674068

Hearing Explosion, then calls for help, Michael Campbell Pulls Man Out

At first he was indecisive about entering the home.  It had just experienced a massive explosion!  But when he heard a cry from the house, his response was instantaneous.  It seems the resident now owes his life to Mr. Campbell, who pulled him from second-floor rubble.  My favorite part of this story is so typical of people like Campbell: “I have nieces and nephews, and if they were trapped in a house like this I really hope that someone would have helped them.”

We are glad that you did, and that you got out okay... Thanks!

http://www.journal-news.com/news/news/house-explosion-victim-i-was-just-trying-to-do-the/ngGTY/

Simon Hill Honored for Rescue of Two Boys

Although this happened nearly two years ago, it is great to learn that Mr. Hill's act of courage was noticed at the highest levels in his home country.  The two boys lost their mother, but at least they are alove today thanks to his quick actions in the surf.  Like so many people who have done similar things, Mr. Hill's response: "It was just human nature."  Bravo!

http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/Bravery-award-man-risked-life-near-Bude/story-21151783-detail/story.html

Jon Meis Seizes Opening, Tackles Gunman

The story at the link below delves very briefly into several incidents of true courage by "regular people".  Meis' story has been all over the news, but a couple of the others were not as heavily covered.  Like so many of the people mentioned in the blog, he seeks no major credit or kudos, just did what needed to be done and moved on with his life.  Thanks Jon!

http://www.npr.org/2014/06/06/319404315/heroes-among-us-when-ordinary-people-become-extraordinary?sc=tw

Mateus Moore Hit by Train After Pushing Girlfriend Clear

Only 16, he and his girlfriend didn't notice the approaching train until it was too late.  By that time, he had only enough time to either get clear himself, or push his girlfriend clear.  He chose the latter, and paid for that choice with his own life.  Mateus, you are a true hero!

http://www.examiner.com/article/teenage-boy-loses-life-saving-girlfriend-pushes-her-off-the-train-tracks