A Real HeroMike Rappaport

It is easy to be cynical in this world, but we shouldn’t be too cynical: there really are heroes out there. 

Consider this story:

Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old construction worker and Navy veteran,faced both those questions in a flashing instant yesterday, and got hisanswers almost as quickly.

Mr. Autrey was waiting for thedowntown local at 137th Street and Broadway in Manhattan around 12:45p.m. He was taking his two daughters, Syshe, 4, and Shuqui, 6, homebefore work.

Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing. Mr.Autrey and two women rushed to help, he said. The man, CameronHollopeter, 20, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platformedge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails.

The headlights of the No. 1 train appeared. I had to make a split decision, Mr. Autrey said.

So he made one, and leapt.

Mr. Autrey lay on Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him downin a space roughly a foot deep. The train s brakes screeched, but itcould not stop in time.

Five cars rolled overhead before thetrain stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blueknit cap with grease. Mr. Autrey heard onlookers screams. We re O.K.down here, he yelled, but I ve got two daughters up there. Let themknow their father s O.K. He heard cries of wonder, and applause.

Let me tell you, as someone who has waited on many subway stations, including I believe that one, I really do not think I would have done what Wesley Autry did (nor would I have known how to save the man and myself).  This is quite extraordinary.  The man deserves the admiration and praise of everyone.  Through his deed and example, he makes the world a better place.

Who knows why some men are heroes.  But my guess is that it has something to do with the fact that he had been in the Navy.