J. D. Anderson rescued Donald W. Steele from burning, Summerfield, Texas, September 12, 1964. While Steele, 43, airplane pilot, was crop-spraying in an airplane carrying toxic insecticide, the craft struck utility lines, and the fuel tank containing about 18 gallons of gasoline exploded. As the burning fuel spread over the cloth covering of the airplane, Steele landed the craft in a field of sorghum cane four feet high which was very wet. He struggled without success to get out of the airplane as the wind blew the flames over the cockpit opening. Anderson, 44, farmer, witnessed the accident and ran 400 feet through the wet sorghum cane, which soaked his clothing. He heard Steele calling for help and saw him trying to climb out of the cockpit in which the flames were spreading rapidly. Anderson ran 30 feet farther to near the cockpit opening. Flames which covered most of the fuselage and part of the wings rose as much as 12 feet above the ground. Reaching to within six inches of the flames, Anderson grasped Steele by the hand and pulled him out of the cockpit. He dragged Steele away from the airplane and then summoned help. Steele was removed to a hospital but died two days later as the result of extensive burns.
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