James D. Vela saved Mildred L. Robeson from burning, North Palm Springs, California, November 30, 1971. When fire broke out on her camper van after it blew a tire and toppled onto its side on the highway, Mrs. Robeson, 66, was trapped inside the vehicle. Vela, 38, ranch operator, ran to the burning van, on which the windshield had been sprung loose. He removed the windshield, reached into the van, and grasped Mrs. Robeson, who was caught in some manner. With some difficulty, Vela succeeded in pulling Mrs. Robeson from the vehicle. Very shortly thereafter an explosive spread of flames engulfed the van.
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