Amos W. Hill rescued Bettie Grace Strauss from burning, Mulberry, Florida, July 10, 1970. On a bridge, the sedan driven by Mrs. Strauss, 31, skidded and struck first one guard railing and then the other before stopping. Flames broke out; and Mrs. Strauss began screaming. Hill, 45, chemical company flagman, stopped his automobile 35 feet away and ran to the burning sedan. Flames rising as much as six feet then covered most of the top of the vehicle and appeared to fill the interior. After several attempts, Hill succeeded in opening the door. Intense heat and flames issued from inside the sedan, where Mrs. Strauss lay unconscious. Hill placed one knee on the seat and, as flames lapped about him, extended his head and shoulders into the automobile. He dragged Mrs. Strauss from the sedan, carried her away from the burning vehicle, and put out the flames on her body and attire. About 30 seconds after Hill had left the sedan, there was an explosive spread of flames which completely enveloped the vehicle. Mrs. Strauss was hospitalized for extensive burns and later died. Hill was treated for superficial burns
51606 – 5738
51606-5738