Clyde V. Patterson sustained fatal injuries attempting to save William McKinzie from burning, Elmer City, Washington, September 1, 1944. While Patterson, 15, schoolboy, was riding in the cab of McKinzie’s auto-truck, which was heavily loaded with firewood, McKinzie lost control of the truck; and it finally toppled on its side on the roadway. McKinzie, 67, fuel dealer, was thrown on top of Patterson. Patterson pulled himself from beneath McKinzie, who appeared to him to be dazed, and climbed out through the window in the door above him. As he was getting out, flames broke out inside the cab; and Patterson reached down with both hands and lifted McKinzie somewhat. McKinzie was heavy and had no use of his legs. Flames and intense heat began to spread Patterson continued his efforts to pull McKinzie out of the cab. The gasoline tank exploded, showering burning gasoline on Patterson and setting fire to his clothing. He ran off the roadway and rolled in grass, extinguishing flames on his clothing. He then ran a quarter of a mile to give an alarm. When firemen reached the auto-truck, it was almost entirely burned McKinzie burned to death, and Patterson died five days later from burns. 40430-3419
40430 – 3419
40430-3419