Junior David Phillips rescued Lawrence L. Stewart, Jr., from electrocution, Evergreen, Virginia, December 31, 1988. The tractor that Stewart, 59, was using to plow a field snagged on the support wire of a utility pole. The top of the pole snapped off, downing 7,200-volt power lines, one of which made contact with the tractor. Pinned to the seat by the support wire, Stewart was being shocked. He called for help. From nearby, Phillips, 48, tire repairman, who was helping Stewart plow, approached the tractor amidst the downed lines. Upon touching it, he was shocked and knocked to the ground. Phillips got to his feet and, although the tractor was charged, jumped onto it and re-started it. He backed the tractor away from the support wire, freeing Stewart, then helped Stewart off the tractor to safety. Stewart was hospitalized for second- and third-degree burns to his legs and left arm.
63790 – 7355
63790-7355