Could someone please explain what actions they took that were heroic?
here's a stab at it:
By the result alone, without any further looking, about the crew of BA038 one can say:
In a
very difficult situation, that occurred totally unforeseen...
with only seconds to make observations, reach conclusions and set the actual final plan for dealing with it...
they did their jobs as well as any persons could - and likely better than many would.
They kept their cool, collaborated to fly the aircraft for her last mile steady on the balance of a feather between too short and too slow, knowing full well their own lives and many others depended on the actions of that moment.
Their presence of mind and professional focus continued after the probably unexpected safe arrival, largely intact, on the earth. They did the job to render the damaged machine as safe as was possible with the electrical, engine, and fire controls available, monitored the evacuation, climbed out of the wreck and then likely started on the paperwork while waiting for a ride to the terminal. That was the heroic part.