In a world often filled with troubling headlines, it's always heartening to hear stories of genuine heroism and selfless acts. Here are five instances where individuals put their lives at risk to save others:

1. Wesley Autrey - The Subway Hero

On a subway platform in New York City, Autrey witnessed a man collapse onto the tracks just as a train was approaching. Without a second thought, he jumped onto the tracks and covered the man with his body as the train passed mere inches above them, miraculously saving his life.

2. Jasmina Lozar Povše - The Human Shield

In Slovenia, a desperate man walked into a local bank, threatening to detonate a bomb. Jasmina, a young mother, offered herself as a human shield to protect other bank-goers. In the end, the man surrendered to the police, and no one was harmed. Jasmina's courage and quick thinking saved lives that day.

3. Kevin Stephan - The Little League Hero

During a Little League game, Stephan, a 12-year-old boy, saw his coach collapse from a cardiac arrest. Remembering a procedure he had seen on TV, Stephan performed chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, ultimately saving his coach's life. Read his amazing story here.

4. Tom Boyle Jr. - The Herculean Rescue

After witnessing a terrible motorcycle accident, Boyle found the strength to lift a car off of a trapped biker. His courageous act and physical strength, fueled by adrenaline, saved the biker's life.

5. Lenny Skutnik - The Potomac River Hero

When an Air Florida flight crashed into the freezing Potomac River, Skutnik didn't hesitate to jump into the icy water to rescue a woman who was too weak to grab the lifeline from a rescue helicopter. His selfless act was caught on camera and made national news. Find out more about his heroic deed here.

Conclusion

These incredible stories remind us that heroism comes in many forms and often from unexpected places. They serve as an inspiration and a testament to the human capacity for selflessness and courage.