Paul James Parker rescued Betty M. Ruddell from burning, Dallas, Texas, February 17, 1973. At night while Miss Ruddell, 37, was in the rear bedroom of a one-story dwelling and another woman was in the living room, an explosion occurred under the house; and in some manner fire was spread to every room. Parker, 41, optician, who lived next door, ran into the living room and quickly led the other woman out. Learning that Miss Ruddell was in the bedroom, Parker re-entered the dwelling, where heat was intense. Despite steadily worsening conditions, Parker made his way to Miss Ruddell and led her into the hall. A second explosion occurred. Parker and Miss Ruddell dropped to the floor; and he then dragged her to the front of the house and thence outside. Both Miss Ruddell and Parker required hospitalization for their burns. They recovered.
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