This is the 7361st most frequent Russian word.
герою
The Russian word "герою" means "to the hero" or "for the hero" (dative case of "герой").
In this sentence, "герою" is used in the dative case, indicating the recipient of the award.
Эта награда принадлежит герою.
This award belongs to the hero.
Here, "герою" also appears in the dative case, showing the indirect object of the gratitude.
Мы благодарны герою за его подвиги.
We are grateful to the hero for his feats.
In this case, "герою" is in the dative case, indicating to whom the dedication was made.