Michael E. G. Oakley helped to rescue Eric G. Alexander from burning, Savannah, Tennessee, April 13, 2005. Following a nighttime accident involving a sport utility vehicle and his pickup truck, Alexander, 29, remained in the driver’s seat, trapped by wreckage. Flames broke out at the front end of the truck and spread into the passenger compartment. Michael, 16, student, drove upon the scene and stopped. He approached the pickup on its driver’s side, reached through the open window, and pulled on Alexander about the arms. After having to retreat at least twice because of intense heat, Michael reached into the pickup again, grasped Alexander, and began to pull him out. A man who lived nearby responded to the truck, and he too grasped Alexander. The rescuers pulled Alexander the rest of the way from the vehicle and dragged him across the road to safety. Alexander required lengthy hospitalization for treatment of extensive injuries, including severe burns.
79375 – 9080
79375-9080