Bessie E. Banks saved Christine C. Ford from being struck by an automobile, Pascagoula, Mississippi, April 8, 1961. Mrs. Banks, 44, housemaid, and Christine, 3, arrived at the edge of the street directly opposite the latter’s home. After climbing over a two-foot breakwater, Mrs. Banks lifted Christine over it and onto the concrete roadway. Christine immediately darted away from Mrs. Banks and into the street. An automobile then rounded a curve 40 feet away at moderate speed. The driver applied his brakes, but they failed to take hold. Mrs. Banks overtook Christine after running 20 feet. With her back to the oncoming automobile, she grasped Christine under the arms and thrust her out of the vehicle’s path. The driver swerved the automobile, but the bumper and one headlight struck the leg and hip of Mrs. Banks, propelling her 10 feet. She suffered a fractured leg and a broken and dislocated pelvis. Christine sustained only bruises. Mrs. Banks was hospitalized two months, recuperated for six months, and now is able to walk only when wearing a metal brace.
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