A. George Thorne saved Robert E. Clancy from being killed by a train, Kings Park, New York, May 23, 1961. Robert, 1, wandered onto a railroad track on which a passenger train was approaching at 20 m.p.h. Thorne, 43, railroad fireman, and the engineer saw Robert when the engine was less than 300 feet from him. The engineer sounded the horn and then, as Robert made no move to leave the track, began braking action. Thorne left the cab, descended a ladder at the side of the engine, and leaped onto the cinder ballast alongside the track about 50 feet from Robert. The train slowed gradually. By sprinting, Thorne outdistanced the engine and then veered onto the track. He reached Robert between the rails when the engine was not more than 15 feet from him and traveling at 10 m.p.h. Without breaking stride, Thorne lifted Robert into his arms and ran from the track as the engine passed, stopping 100 feet beyond them.
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