Calvin N. White rescued John A. Paiva from scalding steam, San Diego, California, February 21, 1961. In the engine room of the U.S.S. ELDORADO, abnormal pressure caused a break in a steam tank rising four feet above a catwalk on which marine machinists Paiva, 44, and White, 36, and two other men were working. Steam and some water in excess of 200 degrees spurted in several directions from the rupture, which extended downward about three feet from the top of the tank. Paiva and White were burned by the steam, as was one of the other men. To move out of range of the steam, White ran a safe distance in the opposite direction on the catwalk. Only Paiva, more severely burned than the others and in shock, remained in the steam. Hearing Paiva yell and noting his position dimly in the dense vapor, White turned and ran back along the catwalk, shielding his face with his arm. Steam jets struck White’s legs and inflicted severe burns as he ran to Paiva and grasped him by the arm. White pulled Paiva after him as he ran along the catwalk to a platform out of range of the steam, which continued to issue from the tank for another two minutes. In poor visibility due to the dense vapor, White continued pulling Paiva after him as, guided by a handrail, he moved to an area where the vapor was less dense. White ripped the steam-soaked clothing from Paiva and then from himself. Paiva and the other man were hospitalized. White received treatment for his burns for three weeks. All recove
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