William Foege Epidemiologist
Mass vaccinations didn’t work to stop smallpox. Foege came up with the idea that did work.
From This is True for 1 February 2026
hero
Selfless humans who gave of themselves to improve the human condition. (Philanthropists are separate)
Joseph McNeil Quiet protestor
McNeil was a protestor, but was far from a radical anarchist.
From This is True for 7 September 2025
Zura Karuhimbi “Witch doctor”
“Her story is a reminder that humanity prevails, even in the most difficult situations.”
From This is True for 23 December 2018
Andrew Fitzgerald Engineman Third Class
Fitzgerald was thrown off the lifeboat in 60-ft seas, but managed to rescue his crew — and then the crew of a doomed ship.
From This is True for 18 November 2018
Arsène Tchakarian Resistance fighter
Tchakarian was given French citizenship in 1958, and awarded the Legion of Honor in 2012.
From This is True for 5 August 2018
Arnaud Beltrame Police officer
Beltrame suspected such a tactic would be used again, and trained in several such terrorist scenarios.
From This is True for 25 March 2018
Stanislav Petrov The cool-headed
Quite simply, he saved the entire world.
From This is True for 17 September 2017
Jeannie Rousseau Humble spy
Rousseau was a spy, gaining vital intelligence during World War II.
From This is True for 27 August 2017
Herbert Needleman “Lead industry” foe
“I don’t use this word often, but ‘hero’ is appropriate in Herb’s case.”
From This is True for 21 July 2017
Fred Kummerow Biochemist
Kummerow figured out that trans fats caused heart disease, but it took him 58 years to get it banned from food.
From This is True for 4 June 2017