Edgar K. Furbush, 51, trolley coach operator, rescued Doris Zeller, 55, from burning, San Francisco, California, June 11, 1965. Mrs. Zeller was cleaning the Furbush apartment on the third floor of a three-story frame building when fire broke out in the living room. She was overcome by the smoke and fell face down on the floor near a bay window which was open several inches. Furbush, returning from work, saw smoke issuing from the window. He ran to the apartment, opened the door, and saw Mrs. Zeller on the floor. Smoke was dense, and flames covered the wall around the window. Heat was intense. Crouching, Furbush ran 10 feet to Mrs. Zeller. Her upper body was covered with flames, while others burned on the floor near her. Breathing with difficulty, Furbush tore away Mrs. Zeller’s burning clothing. He moved to the edge of the flames on the floor, took hold of her, and began pulling her toward the door. The glass in the window broke, and flames shot toward Furbush, singeing his hair and face. As flames increased, Furbush pulled Mrs. Zeller into the hall and took her to the second floor. Firemen arrived and extinguished the flames. Zeller was hospitalized for extensive burns. Furbush sustained burns on his hands and face which healed.
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