Billy B. Samford saved Robert A. Barrilleaux from burning, Sourlake, Texas, June 6, 1970. During a stock car race, the converted automobile being driven by Barrilleaux, 31, garage owner, flipped end-over-end and landed upright 50 feet outside the track. Gasoline from the fuel tank in the front end caught fire; and flames 12 to 15 feet high rose above the hood. Barrilleaux was inert when Samford, 37, garage owner, ran to the automobile and inserted his head and arms into it through the window opening. Flames extended into the interior through the open dash. Samford grasped Barrilleaux and, pulling on him, backed out of the automobile. Barrilleaux was stuck. Leaning back into the vehicle, Samford secured a different hold and by exerting increased effort pulled Barrilleaux almost completely out of the automobile. Another man ran to Samford and aided him with Barrilleaux; and they moved him away from the burning vehicle. Barrilleaux revived.
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