Great Men: Wesley Autrey, Subway Savior

Wesley Autrey [pictured] jumped onto the tracks of a NYC subway 1 train yesterday on the body of a 20-year-old man who had accidentally fallen onto the tracks, pressing them both into a foot-deep space underneath the wheels of the train.

Five cars rolled overhead before the train stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blue knit 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 them know their father’s O.K.” He heard cries of wonder, and applause.

A Man Down, a Train Arriving, and a Stranger Makes a Choice [NYTimes]

Update: It looks like Autrey is getting his just reward. [Reuters]