After an 8.9 earthquake and tsunami rocked Japan, nearly 200 technicians took turns cooling reactors from overheating at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, working in shifts of 50. These men and women risked their lives to protect a larger majority, exposing themselves to nearly 1,850 times the usual level of radioactive iodin
Daniel Hernandez, Giffords' Hero
When Sen. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Arizona in January, an intern was credited with saving her life. Then 20 years-old, Daniel Hernandez Jr. rushed to Giffords, intent on stopping blood loss and focused on helping her to breathe.
Miles "Dean" Wells, Joplin Hero
Miles "Dean" Wells was working at Home Depot when the Joplin tornado struck. A true martyr who risked his own life to save others, he was killed when a cement wall inside the building collapsed.
David Reichenberg, Hurricane Irene Hero
A good samaritan in New York attempted to save a young child in the wake of Hurricane Irene but lost his own life. David Reichenberg tried to rescue the child from an entanglement of wires and water in the aftermath of the storm when he fell into a puddle with a live wire and was electrocuted.
Roger Kemp, Hero For Women
Roger Kemp, a 2011 recipient of the President's Citizens Medal, was honored for his work in training women in self-defense through The Ali Kemp Defense Education (TAKE) Foundation. His daughter, Ali Kemp, was murdered in 2002 at age 19.
J.R. Martinez, Hero for Vets
With 40 percent of his body burned, wounded vet J.R. Martinez has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. Now an actor, motivational speaker and recent winner of "Dancing with the Stars," Martinez's courage has influenced other wounded veterans and burn victims alike to continue living fully, even through times of trial.
Mark Lindquist, Joplin Hero
When the Joplin tornado struck, survivor Mark Lindquist knew he had a duty. The social worker had driven to the home of three men with disabilities with whom he worked. He laid on top of a mattress to try to protect them, but Lindquist was the only one who survived. He has been honored by both of his state's legislatures for his heroism.
Troy Yocum, Hero for Vets
Troy Yocum is walking across the country with the hope of raising $5 million for military families in need. Yocum, an Iraq veteran, began his heroic walk in 2010. So far, he has raised almost $500,000 -- but has a long way to go. To support Yocum's work, click here.
Reagan the Dog, Cat Hero
A yellow lab named Reagan proved this year that even heroism can be an animal instinct. Hearing sounds of life in a bag of Meow Mix on the side of a rural Iowa road, Reagan dragged the bag home for her owner, who discovered two kittens that had been left for dead. Now the kittens are safe and up for adoption, thanks to Reagan.
Louise Neistat, Cancer Research Hero
For Louise Neistat, 92, dancing has become a way to give back. Inspired by her father who died of cancer, the ex-Rockette now teaches tap dances classes in her attic to nearly 60 students of all ages. Tickets sales to the yearly performance are always donated to the American Cancer Society, and have topped over $100,000.
Guard Dog, Hero For Japan
In another story about finding heroism in unexpected places, this dog showed true loyalty while guarding another injured dog in the aftermath of the Japanese earthquake. Both dogs were eventually saved, and the injured dog was taken to a veterinary clinic.
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