human shield [hyoo-muhn-sheeld]
noun
1. A person or group of people located or intentionally placed in a potential line of fire or in an area likely to be attacked.
EX. His plan is so perfect! A human shield made of babies? Any potential hero would avoid that sorta collateral damage rather than be labeled as the "baby puncher"... I should add this to my list of incompetent yet genius ideas for when I become a sub par super villain.