Heroes 2013

The 2013 Stars and Stripes' Heroes edition spotlights stories of selfless sacrifice, bravery under fire, tragic loss and surprising survival.

What you won't find is any of those "heroes" using that word to describe themselves. We haven't found one who would.

"We're just ordinary people put in extraordinary situations," said Clinton Romesha, whose actions in Afghanistan earned him the Medal of Honor.

The men and women featured here tell the story of a nation at war. For Americans at home, the mission is to never let them be forgotten.