Frank R. Ratliff saved an unidentified man from being killed by a train, Elkton, Maryland, June 17, 1943. The man, about 68 years old, walked from the station platform on a walk across a track on which a streamlined passenger-train was approaching at a speed of 80 m.p.h. and fumbled with the lock of a gate in a fence that was 52 inches from the adjacent rail of the track. Ratliff, 30, machine operator, who was on the platform 25 feet from the walk, called a warning; but the man gave no sign that he heard him. When the train was within 430 feet of the walk, Ratliff jumped from a baggage-truck, ran to the track, took a long stride, and lunged against the man. Reaching with his arms around the man, he grasped the top rail of the gate with both hands and pulled himself against the man, forcing him against the gate. At first the man pushed backward, but Ratliff maintained his grasp until the train had passed at unreduced speed. Neither was injured. 39995-3391
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39995-3391