8 Heroic Rescue Stories Throughout History Like Cedric Herrou

5. Ryan Pitts – serving the US in Afghanistan in 2008, Pitts refused to give up his position after an attack from 100 insurgents. Wounded by a grenade, Pitts crawled throughout the observation post he was defending, maintaining the high ground and ultimately saving lives. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza