Ralph H. Sacks, 26, bookseller, saved Fred B. Blair, 60, bookseller, from being shot, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 28, 1966. In a book shop Sacks, standing in front of a section of shelving, was talking with Blair, who faced him while seated behind a sales counter. A mentally disturbed youth entered the shop, moved to the end of the shelving section, and withdrew an automatic pistol which he had concealed under his sweater. Blair dropped to the floor behind the counter as the youth fired at him but missed. Sacks lunged at the youth, who slightly outweighed him, and grasped his shoulder and wrist. The youth turned the pistol and fired three bullets, two of which passed through the right arm of Sacks. Despite his wounds, Sacks grasped the youth’s wrist with both hands and forced his arm upward. He tried in vain to dislodge the pistol from the youth’s grasp, and their struggles moved them into an alcove. Blair obtained a toy baseball bat and ran to the alcove. By then the youth was showing signs of weakness in the arm holding the pistol. Blair struck the youth on the head with the bat, and Sacks succeeded in dislodging the pistol. Blair continued striking the youth, who fell to the floor. Sacks picked up the pistol and then summoned police, who took the youth into custody. Sacks received treatment for his wounds, which healed.
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