When Andrew Carnegie created his Hero Commission, the steel magnate’s first intent was,To place those following peaceful vocations, who have been injured in heroic effort to save human life, in somewhat better positions pecuniarily than before, until again able to work. In the case of death, the widow and children, or other dependents, to be provided for until she remarries, and the children until they reach a self-supporting age. For exceptional children exceptional grants may be made for exceptional education.

So far, six people have received the Carnegie Medal twice.

In 1958, Ruddell Stitch was a 26-year-old boxer who rescued a dam operator who fell into the Ohio, fractured his leg and could not swim. While drifting downstream, Ruddell kept the man afloat until help arrived.

Eighteen months later, Ruddell was helping a friend across the sill of the same dam when his buddy slipped, pulling Ruddell with him. Ruddell swam over 100 feet and kept diving, trying to find his friend.

Ruddell left a wife and six children. When his widow died two years later, the Hero Fund provided a monthly stipend to the children’s grandmother for 16 years.

On May 12, 1963, 20-year-old Daniel Stockwell ran 150 feet to a small beach where two men had fallen into the Atlantic Ocean. He then swam 35 feet to support one unconscious man until help arrived.

On October 15, 1991, Daniel was a school principal who offered himself as a substitute hostage for fifteen students being held at gunpoint.  For 40 minutes, Daniel talked with the assailant until police subdued the gunman.

Research and Photos Source:
Carnegie Hero Fund Commission

Imagine a world where everyone goes to bed a hero.

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