Carnegie Hero Fund was established to "recognize persons who perform acts of heroism in civilian life in the United States and Canada, and to provide financial assistance for those disabled and the dependents of those killed helping others." [1] It was established in North America in 1904 by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist.

Administered by a 21-member commission based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as of 2004, 8,869 medals have been awarded. The recipients were selected from more than 78,000 nominees. About 20 percent of the medals are awarded posthumously.

The medallions are bronze. A verse from the New Testament of the Bible encircles the outer edge: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

A similar fund was established by Carnegie in Great Britain in 1908.

See main article Andrew Carnegie.

External Links

• Carnegie Hero Fund Commission official website