Alexander F. Swierupski, 52, truck driver, rescued Emanuel Lawler, 21, airplane pilot, from burning, Mineola, New York, March 21, 1943. An airplane operated by Lawler got out of control, came to rest on an automobile, and took fire. There was fire under the cockpit; and flames rose five feet above the fuselage just behind the cockpit, where there was a tank that contained 100 gallons of gasoline. Heat was intense for 25 feet from the fire. Lawler’s feet were pinned in the cockpit, but he stood up. Swierupski ran to a point near the airplane, sprayed chemicals on the fire, and then retired 25 feet. Other men with axes chopped holes in the fuselage opposite Lawler. Swierupski cleared some wreckage from the airplane, and the men with axes withdrew 15 feet. Other men pushed against a wing, and the fuselage split opposite Lawler. Lawler began to fall through the opening, and Swierupski took hold of him. Heat burned Swierupski’s face; and he lost hold of Lawler, who fell to the ground and lay in flames a foot high. Swierupski again got hold of Lawler and dragged him from the flames. Another man then helped to drag him farther away. Lawler sustained very serious burns. Swierupski sustained minor burns on his face. 39834-3320
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39834-3320