Claude S. Owens, 18, schoolboy, rescued Cleatus W. Lee, 15, schoolboy, from burning, Hollister, Missouri, August 1, 1953. While Cleatus, Owens, and another boy were working 12 feet below ground level in the pit of a coal silo of a school powerplant, a violent explosion occurred in a chute through which the coal entered the pit. A dense concentration of burning coal dust issued from the chute and ignited coal piled about three feet high on the floor of the pit. Cleatus suffered burns and fell to the floor badly stunned. As they ran from the pit, Owens and the other boy also were burned by the explosion. Realizing that Cleatus still was inside the pit, Owens ran back to where he lay face downward near an area of dense flames about three feet high beneath the chute. Heat was intense, and the strong odor of burning coal and thick smoke made breathing difficult. Crouching a foot from the flames, Owens took hold of Cleatus, lifted him to his feet, and aided him outside. The flames were extinguished by firemen. Cleatus was in shock and sustained burns of the hands and ears, and Owens suffered severe burns of the back, shoulders, and head. Both recovered. 3874-42930
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