There are few images from the Route 91 Harvest Festival massacre more iconic than the one above. A man uses his body to shield a fallen woman from the bullets flying overhead. The harrowing image speaks volumes about the human spirit in times of crisis. Now the hero has been identified as a active duty US Army soldier Matthew Cobos.
The now famous photo was taken near the center of the concert arena as hundreds of people were running for their lives. According to the Daily Mail, Cobos was attempting to cover the woman’s eyes to protect her eyes and keep her from seeing the the violence surrounding them.
Cobos would go on to drag the woman to safety before returning into the fray to rescue more injured victims. He was later seen using his military training to improvise tourniquets and using his fingers to plug bullet holes until further aid was available.
Cobos was attending the concert with his sister and her boyfriend. The group photo above is believed to have been taken earlier that same day.
Just days after the tragedy, Cobos returned to California on his way back to Hawaii where his is stationed as a cavalry scout. His Facebook page has been overwhelmed with messages of thanks and support.
The identity of the woman is still unknown at this time.
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