Albert J. Giguere, 62, repair shop foreman, helped to save Carleton J. Smith, Jr., 47, bookkeeper, from burning, West Springfield, Massachusetts, July 1, 1966. Smith, his wife, and his stepdaughter were in a station wagon pulling a 12-foot trailer when the vehicle swerved from the highway and toppled onto its left side. Flames broke out on tall grass beneath the station wagon, the front end of which was in a ditch. Smith’s wife and stepdaughter climbed out through window openings in the upper side and were aided away by two men. Giguere ran to opposite the top of the overturned station wagon as flames appeared on the underside. Smith, who could walk only with a cane, still was in the driver’s seat. Giguere called to the other men to help right the vehicle so that Smith could get out. When Giguere, an unidentified truck driver, and three other men raised the station wagon about two feet, tongues of flame issued from beneath it. All released their holds briefly, and then by lifting quickly succeeded in righting it. They retreated as flames shot from beneath the station wagon, enveloping the back end and the right side. The door on the driver’s side was open, and Smith called that he could not get out. Giguere ran to the door through the burning grass. Tongues of flame issued upward at places along the left side. Heat was intense. Giguere reached into the front compartment and took hold of Smith. The truck driver joined Giguere and also took hold of Smith. Gusts of flame whipped around them as together they pulled Smith out and dragged him away. A minute later there was an explosive spread of flames which completely enveloped the station wagon and the trailer. Giguere sustained burns on his head, hand, and arm, which healed.
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