PHILADELPHIA — When gunshots rang out at a birthday party in North Philadelphia, most people raced away from the danger. Kaheem Bailey-Taylor bolted straight to the heart of the peril.
"My instinct was, I have a lot of family in there, and I need to help," said Bailey-Taylor, 17. "I need to do something."
In this case, doing something translated to using first-aid skills learned in his Philadelphia public school's Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program to help save his friend's life. On Friday, Bailey-Taylor received the Medal of Heroism, the highest honor the U.S. Army gives to JROTC cadets, reserved for those who perform valiant acts demonstrating an "acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage."
