Ernest Barger, 57, boiler fireman, saved Nellie F. Malstrom, 70, and Sylvia H. Hawkins, 68, from burning, Salix, Iowa, September 17, 1950. In a collision with a truck an automobile occupied by Mrs. Malstrom, Mrs. Hawkins, and three other women spun around, left the highway, and stopped in a grassy field. Gasoline escaping from the fuel-tank was ignited, and dense flames burned beneath the tank and enveloped the rear of the automobile, spreading to the adjoining grass. Mrs. Hawkins was thrown from the rear seat to the floor and lost consciousness. Mrs. Malstrom sustained a broken ankle and fell upon Mrs. Hawkins. The other women climbed outside and moved beyond the area of burning grass. Barger alighted from his automobile and ran 60 feet to an open door opposite Mrs. Malstrom, stepping through patches of flames eight inches high which extended four feet from the side of the automobile. Behind the door the flames rose two to four feet above the ground. Heat was intense. Barger grasped Mrs. Malstrom and pulling her through the doorway, which was afire at one side, aided her 10 feet from the automobile, and left her in care of another man. Barger returned to the door and, although warned by persons on the highway that the gasoline tank might soon explode, took hold of Mrs. Hawkins and drew her from the rear seat. As a tire exploded, Barger lost his hold on Mrs. Hawkins, who fell to the ground. Barger quickly picked up Mrs. Hawkins and carried her to safety. Mrs. Hawkins sustained leg burns and serious injuries. Both she and Mrs. Malstrom were hospitalized nine days. Barger’s hair and eyebrows were singed, and he suffered a nervous reaction which lasted four days. 42100-3730
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