When Tuğçe A. heard a sexual assault occurring in a restroom toilet in Offenbach, Germany, she intervened and stopped the attack. Afterward, she was followed outside by one of the attackers and severely beaten. The restaurant was crowded and many others looked away but Tuğçe A. did not. That’s why I’m asking the German government to award her one of our highest honors, the Federal Cross of Merit.

Unfortunately, Tuğçe is no longer with us. Her parents made the decision to turn off the life support machines on her 23rd birthday. Our condolences and sympathy go out to her families and friends.

Although the Federal Cross of Merit is not usually awarded posthumously there are exceptions and one should be made here. In 2009, the German government awarded the Federal Cross of Merit to Dominik Brunner, who was killed while trying to protect a group of school children from two attackers.

This young woman demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping others that day while others in a fast food restaurant during rush hour heard the incident and did nothing.

Thank you, Tuğçe. You truly earned this award and, while it won’t bring you back to life, we want you to know you are a role model for all of us.