The Hero Code

You don’t need a superhero costume to perform feats of heroism.

When William H. McRaven was five years old, the US Air Force assigned his father, an officer, to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Fontainebleau, France. The new family home lacked a TV, so McRaven voraciously consumed superhero comic books. He loved Batman and the X-Men. But he idolized Superman – a patriotic hero who used his powers to rescue citizens and battle evil forces. The youngster turned towels into capes and practiced leaping from furniture.

Three years later, the McRaven family returned to the United States. McRaven switched on the TV at their hotel and saw Superman flying, saving Lois Lane and fighting villains. New York City looked like Metropolis, so the youngster thought he might actually see the Man of Steel. As he toured the city with his father, McRaven frequently glanced upward. He knew Superman was fictional, but in his heart, he hoped he was real, so Superman could help people.

When his father asked what he was looking for, McRaven told him the object of his search. The elder McRaven pointed to a policeman...