Robert N. Wechtel, 34, assistant pipe fitter foreman, helped to save Earl W. Morton, 32, pipe fitter, from suffocation, Port Tampa, Florida, March 29, 1945. While descending a stairway that extended from a hatchway on the deck of a tank-ship to the floor of the pump room 26 feet below the deck, Morton was overcome by fumes of high octane gasoline at a point 14 feet below the deck. Becoming rigid, he stood holding to a handrail. The pump room, which was 52 feet long and 21 feet wide, contained water eight feet deep on which was gasoline which leaked from other compartments. Ten lines of hose, by means of which the water was being pumped to the deck, filled a third of the width of the stairway. The fumes were strong. Having completed some work below Morton, Wechtel, wearing a makeshift mask, ascended the stairway, passing Morton but not realizing his condition. Removing his mask on deck, he saw Morton still standing. Without the mask Wechtel descended the stairway and tried to lift Morton but could not break his hold on the rail. He called for help, and Gerardo Chao descended from the deck, grasped Morton’s arm, and as Wechtel lifted, tried to break Morton’s hold. He then kicked Morton’s forearm three times, breaking Morton’s hold. Wechtel and Chao carried Morton up to a landing eight feet below the deck. While they maneuvered Morton with difficulty at the landing, another workman descended from the deck and helped them carry Morton. Near the top Chao became dizzy, released Morton, stumbled on to the deck, and collapsed. Wechtel and the other man half-carried and half-dragged Morton to the deck, where he was revived. Wechtel was short of breath for a brief period. 40437-3465
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