American Notes CHICAGO

In the tough Englewood neighborhood of Chicago's South Side, Anne Claxton stands out for her bravery. The 44-year-old mother was returning to her home from a medical clinic when ex-Con Jamaljah Aliwoli opened fire on two rookie patrolmen who had stopped him for a traffic violation. Patrolman Daniel Duffy fell wounded, and Aliwoli shot wildly at the other officer, Gregory Matura. After wounding Matura, Aliwoli turned and began hunting for Duffy with his .357 Magnum. But Claxton dashed between them, hiding Duffy as the gunman went past. The gunman stared at her before heading straight toward a police ambush a few blocks away. The young housewife has taken the accolades in stride. Says she: "There is nothing heroic about saving the life of another human being when we are all human beings."