Carnegie Hero Fund

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Carnegie Hero Fund, also known as Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, 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 from a trust income of $5,000,000, given by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist.

The fund was established in honor of Selwyn M. Taylor and Daniel A. Lyle for their rescue attempt following a mine explosion in Harwick, Pennsylvania just outside of Pittsburgh. The explosion killed 181 people, including Taylor and Lyle who inspired Carnegie to establish the fund in honor of their heroism and their role in the rescue of the explosion's only survivor, Adolph Gunia.

Administered by a 21-member commission based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as of mid-2006, 9,028 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.