David A. Paul rescued Melody S. Pearce from burning, Columbus, Ohio, October 3, 1995. Melody, 1, was in a second-floor bedroom of her family’s townhouse after fire broke out in that room. A passing motorist, Paul, 34, lawn sprinkler installer, saw smoke issuing from the building then stopped at the scene and learned that Melody was inside. He entered the house and went to the second floor but, repelled by intense heat and thick smoke, returned outside. Hearing Melody cry, Paul entered the house a second time and reached the room where she was located. Flames illuminated the room, enabling Paul to see Melody; he entered the room for her, then picked her up and took her downstairs and outside to safety. Both Melody and Paul were taken to the hospital for treatment, Melody for severe burns and Paul for smoke inhalation and a minor burn on his hand. He fully recovered.
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