James Comet saved Michelle J. English from burning, Hatboro, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1999. Badly injured, Ms. English, 23, remained in the driver’s seat of her car after a highway accident at night in which the car caught fire. Another motorist, Comet, 49, branch chief, witnessed the accident. He exited his vehicle and ran to Ms. English’s car, where flames were issuing a few feet from the engine. Although Comet had undergone coronary surgery one week earlier and, in a weakened condition, was under restrictions to his physical activity, he opened the driver’s door, which was jammed, and leaned into the car. He grasped Ms. English, who was unconscious, pulled her upright, then leaned her through the driver’s door and lowered her to the ground. Comet dragged her about 25 feet from the car before he was aided by others in taking her farther away. Flames spread on the car, shortly engulfing it. Ms. English was hospitalized for treatment of her injuries. Comet was nearly exhausted by his exertions but recovered after two days’ rest.
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74261-8439