David C. Ruble rescued Betty Gadd from burning, Berea, Kentucky, August 15, 1985. Betty, 10, was overcome when fire broke out in her family’s house. Ruble, 30, store clerk, was driving nearby when he saw the fire. Stopping to investigate, he was informed by Betty’s mother, who had escaped the fire, that Betty and her brother were still inside. Ruble broke a bedroom window, reached inside, and pulled out the brother. Ruble then climbed through the window and, despite dense smoke, intense heat, and flames feeding on the ceiling, crawled through the bedroom and located Betty. Ruble dragged her to the window and handed her out to others, then climbed out himself. Ruble drove Betty to the hospital, where she was admitted for her burns. Ruble was hospitalized overnight for smoke inhalation, and he recovered. 60636-7059
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