Medal of Honor Foundation Announces Top U.S. Citizen Heroes
23 Finalists Chosen from Hundreds of Nominees Nationwide
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- They've gone above and beyond for their fellow man in some extraordinary way—saving a life in a single instance of extreme bravery, or bettering their community with ongoing selfless service. Today, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, which represents our nation's greatest war heroes, is recognizing these unsung citizen heroes.
The 23 individuals were chosen for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors (CSBSH), a program that collected hundreds of hero nominations from across the U.S. between September and December 2012. The just-completed, first-stage judging process by Medal of Honor representatives, has narrowed the field of nominees to these brave finalists. These heroes now move onto a second round of judging by Medal of Honor recipients.
The complete list of CSBSH finalists, including details of their heroic stories, is available at www.csbsh.org.
The finalists range from a 6-year-old boy to a 91-year-old man, and their heroic acts took many forms—daring water rescues, fires rescues, a lifesaving organ transplant, and a foiled kidnapping, are just a few of the stories. Although heroic acts occurred across the nation, this year's finalists hail from 13 states; California topped the list with five hero finalists. Three of the heroes recognized are New York residents, with all assisting in Hurricane Sandy rescues or relief efforts.
All 23 finalists now enter the next phase of judging to select four ultimate Citizen Heroes to receive special medals for their service. These four Honorees will be announced on March 11, and awarded at a ceremony on National Medal of Honor Day on March 25th at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Medal of Honor recipients will present the Citizen Honorees with their awards.
States with finalists include:
California, New York, Louisiana, Texas, Idaho, New Jersey, Nebraska, Texas, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
(More information at www.csbsh.org.)
Nominations were made by Members of Congress, police and fire officials, mayors, governors and ordinary citizens.
Nominations for heroes surrounding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in December are being handled separately later this year.
SOURCE The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation
Share this article