Alvia W. Viles saved Kermit M. and Mary A. Pyatt from burning, Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 21, 1982. Pyatt, 60, and his wife, 61, were semi-conscious in their burning pickup truck following a highway accident. Viles, 34, musician, ran to the truck and attempted to open its driver’s door, but it was wedged shut. He then ran to the passenger side and, after several attempts, was successful in opening that door. Despite flames 15 feet high at the rear of the truck and other flames along the passenger side, Viles reached for Mrs. Pyatt as her husband began to push her out. The husband then left the truck, and both men led Mrs. Pyatt away shortly before the entire truck was engulfed in flames. The Pyatts were hospitalized for their injuries, from which they recovered. Viles, who sustained minor burns, recovered.
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