Ralph Eugene Pohl saved Beatrlz Cruz from being struck by a train, Baldwin Park, California, August 20, 1969. Miss Cruz, 68, was walking on a railroad track when a freight train with Pohl, 56, locomotive engineer, at the controls approached her from behind at about 20 m.p.h. She did not hear Pohl’s warning signals. After applying emergency braking, Pohl left the cab and proceeded by way of a catwalk and steps to a position on one of the engine’s footboards. He held to the coupling lever with one hand and leaned forward. As the slowing train reached Miss Cruz, Pohl extended his free hand and grasped her by the arm. Pohl lifted Miss Cruz and held her as the train proceeded about 17 feet farther before stopping.
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