Michael A. Gordon saved Daniel T. Roeder from burning, Berrien Springs, Michigan, October 21, 1986. After a highway accident, Roeder, 24, lay pinned by his legs in the cab of an overturned tractor-trailer. Molten aluminum he was hauling spilled, causing fire to break out. After witnessing the accident, Gordon, 22, registered nurse, ran to the cab, reached inside through its broken-out windshield, and moved the steering wheel, allowing Roeder to free one of his legs. Roeder then freed his other leg and, aided by Gordon, crawled out of the cab. As they fled, an explosion occurred, knocking them to the ground. Roeder was hospitalized for a back injury, and Gordon was treated for smoke inhalation, from which he recovered.
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