John J. Siroky, 48, elevator operator, saved Frank M. Graves, 40, systems analyst, from possible assault, New York, New York, June 15, 1968. Graves was in the foyer of his apartment house and had rung for the elevator when two men entered. One of them moved to alongside the elevator door, took out a switchblade knife, and told Graves that all they wanted was money. The second man, also holding a knife, moved alongside the other. Graves told them he had rung for the elevator, but the men remained at their positions, holding their knives against their chests. The elevator, operated by Siroky, reached the ground floor. When he opened the elevator door, Siroky saw two men with knives standing several feet from Graves. Siroky lunged from the elevator and grasped the nearest man, who was about two inches taller than he. Securing a cheat hold on the man from behind, Siroky pushed him toward the door of the foyer. The second man started toward them, but Graves grasped him by the shirt and delayed him briefly. Kicking Siroky on the shin, the first man broke away and ran from the building. The second man pulled away from Graves, ran into the street, and fled the scene with his companion.
50251 – 5480
50251-5480