Theodore Bennett, 34, boiler-maker, rescued Charles von Gossett, 75, steeplejack, from a fatal fall, Mobile, Alabama, May 18, 1938. While working on a smokestack at a point 55 feet above the ground, von Gossett’s block and tackle became disengaged; and he fell head first with it toward the ground. Bennett, who was on the ground directly below von Gossett, was attracted when von Gossett was 35 feet above him. Bennett spread his legs to brace himself, extended his arms, and caught von Gossett; and they fell to the ground. Von Gossett sustained only minor injuries. Bennett suffered a dislocated hip, a cut on his scalp, and bruises and was disabled for 10 weeks.
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