Thomas D. Crum, Jr., rescued Perry E. Vanscoy from burning, Millersville, Maryland, April 11, 1969. At night when Vanscoy’s patrol car was struck by another vehicle, the fuel tank burst and sprayed gasoline over the car and the highway. Fire broke out; and flames engulfed the patrol car as Vanscoy, 37, police lieutenant, attempted without success to open the jammed door. Crum, 32, electronic technician, ran to the burning vehicle, but flames prevented him from reaching the door on the driver’s side. He went to the opposite door. Vanscoy, surrounded by flames inside the car, had moved to that door, which also was jammed. Standing in flames on the pavement, Crum reached into flames on the side of the car and with effort pulled open the door. Flames issuing from inside the vehicle briefly engulfed him. Vanscoy toppled through the door opening, flames on his head and attire. Crum dragged Vanscoy completely out of the car and with his coat smothered the flames on the latter’s head. A man arrived with a fire extinguisher and put out the other flames on Vanscoy, who was hospitalized for extensive burns. Crum was treated at the hospital for burns on his hands and face. Both recovered.
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