In 2008, Reader's Digest celebrated 13 ordinary citizens who unexpectedly found themselves confronted with desperate situations--and acted. Their stories are told here. You let us know who inspires you the most by voting in our Hero of the Year poll, and here are the nominees.
"You have to go right now!" That's what Jim Grant recalls shouting through the heat and smoke. Only a few minutes before, he'd been driving to work in San Diego when he passed a burning three-story apartment building. He dialed 911, then pulled a U-turn and went back to see if he could help. With no police or firefighters on the scene yet, Grant ran into the building and checked apartments along an 80-foot corridor. When he kicked in the door of No. 87, the contractor discovered a startled woman in a motorized wheelchair holding an infant. With them was a ten-year-old boy. In all, Grant made three trips carrying them out of the building, the last with police officer Caleb Knobel, who helped drag the disabled and disoriented woman to safety.
As the mom of a United States Marine I could not be prouder of people like Lt Col. Gadson and my son defending my freedom. From the bottom of my heart thank you for all your sacrafices.
Maria
Proud Mom of a United States Marine
By Bigchild2, 12/03/2008, 11:58 AM EST
All of the heros truly are the definition of the word but Cody inspired me the most. Today all you hear about most teenagers are bad things, though I know there are many good kids out there.Many of the teens In my neighborhood are troublemakers and wouldn't even think about someone else, much less a small child.If more of them were like Cody we wouldn't have nearly as many problems as we do today.
By shannonash, 12/01/2008, 6:15 PM EST
(Teenager saves boy from dogs attacking) Cody you give America hope for the future. So many teenagers get such a bad wrap you are a Hero in many ways! Thank you for stepping up and saving that boys life!
By kimlee74, 11/17/2008, 2:08 PM EST
Wow! How do you choose one of these individuals over another? Every one of these stories moved me. I could only hope to show such bravery in similiar circumstances
By lemonfemale, 11/17/2008, 1:33 PM EST
Your capsule caption calls the man "crazed". He wasn't. He was angry and bitter and apparently did a truly evil thing but he was not "crazed".
By debbiec1423, 11/17/2008, 9:12 AM EST
Each and every one of these people is a hero for their entire life time as far as I am concerned. I don't know how to choose one, they all deserve great rewards.
By parson67, 11/13/2008, 7:05 AM EST
LTC Gadson is one my heros because I served with him. He stood up for his principles of justice and compassion. So much so, that at one point, his life was hanging off the edge. He is part of the reason why the surge in Iraq worked, he stood up to the bullies, and had a heart of compassion for the Iraqi people. He had the respect of all his Soldiers. We would have followed him anyway. Chaplain (CPT) Troy Parson
By cdisheroon, 11/08/2008, 10:00 PM EST
Ali has my vote as number one hero. He was safe. He knew all the risks of returning for his co-workers but he went anyway. He is an awesome man of courage.
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