Rodney Carl Bobbitt died attempting to save five children from burning, Keystone, West Virginia, December 30, 1973. Bobbitt, 19, U.S. Marine private first class, learned that five children were inside a burning one-story dwelling, in which flames could be seen in several rooms. Saying that he would save the children, Bobbitt ran into the house through the open front door which closed behind him. Others outside reopened the door, but the rapidly spreading flames prevented them from entering. When firemen arrived they were unable to enter the burning house, in which there then were flames in every room. After the fire was extinguished, the bodies of Bobbitt and two children were found in one room, and the bodies of the other three children were found elsewhere in the ruins.
53694 – 6062
53694-6062