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Lone Traveler in a Foreign Land, Saved by Two Unknown Good Samaritans

Strangers undertook a 12-hour vigil next to Elaine Batchelor in 1980, while she was subjected to an assault on a European train during solo backpacking.

Stranded in a foreign land, a young female traveler receives aid from unknown benefactors
Stranded in a foreign land, a young female traveler receives aid from unknown benefactors

Lone Traveler in a Foreign Land, Saved by Two Unknown Good Samaritans

In the summer of 1980, Elaine Batchelor, a 22-year-old woman, embarked on a solo backpacking adventure across Europe to celebrate her recent college graduation. Little did she know that her journey would take an unexpected turn, leading her to encounter two unsung heroes.

Elaine boarded a night train from what was then known as Yugoslavia, bound for Greece. As the train rolled on, she found herself in a precarious situation when two young men forcefully pulled her towards the back of the train, towards the bathroom.

In the darkness, two older men, whose identities remain unknown, noticed the commotion. They swiftly intervened, managing to free Elaine from the young men's grip and saving her from potential harm. For the next 12 hours, the older men sat with Elaine on a bench, providing comfort and protection. Their lack of shared language – neither spoke English – allowed Elaine to feel a sense of safety, as communication was limited to the comforting pats on the shoulder and the shared understanding that came through eye contact.

Upon arriving in Greece, Elaine felt full of gratitude for the older men's actions. If she were to see them today, she would undoubtedly express her heartfelt thanks. Despite extensive searches, there are no records providing information about these two unsung heroes.

NPR's podcast "My Unsung Hero" shares stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things. If you know an unsung hero, consider sharing their story by recording a voice memo and sending it to [email protected].

It's important to remember that acts of kindness and bravery, like those displayed by the two older men, can have a profound impact on someone's life. Elaine Batchelor's story serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of looking out for one another, especially in times of need.

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