Bobby Dean Tindle died as the result of rescuing Joseph M. Parsons from burning, McCalla, Alabama, March 25, 1967. Parsons, 19, laborer, Tindle, 32, automotive mechanic, and an eighteen-year-old youth were in a garage which was used as a repair shop and in which there were various combustibles. Sparks from a grinding tool caused a violent explosion; and a drum of solvent disintegrated, filling the garage with flames. Parsons was knocked unconscious. Tindle and the youth, each having sustained burns, ran from the garage by means of open doors. The youth then saw Tindle re-enter the garage and, amid massive flames extending from floor to roof, run toward where Parsons lay on the floor. The youth ran to a nearby automobile and obtained a quilt. He then saw Tindle, with Parsons clasped against his chest, moving through flames toward the open door. Carrying Parsons, Tindle emerged from the garage with his clothing then afire. Most of the attire of Parsons had been burned away. Tindle carried Parsons to the youth. The latter wrapped Parsons in the quilt and rolled him on the ground to extinguish the flames on his remaining attire. Tindle ran to a nearby meadow and rolled about until he extinguished the flames on his clothing. Parsons and Tindle, each of whom had suffered extensive burns, were removed to a hospital along with the youth, who recovered. Parsons and Tindle died.
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