WiIliam E. Welch, Jr., saved Phil R. Williamson from burning, Durham, North Carolina, April 29, 1974. When the ice cream truck he was driving was struck by a freight train, Williamson, 60, sustained injuries and was trapped in the cab as flames broke out at the vehicle’s front end. Unable to open the door, he called for help. William, 16, high-school student, ran to the door as the initial flames increased and others issued from beneath the truck. Reaching into the cab through the window opening, William grasped Williamson and pulled on him. When Williamson was free, William pulled him through the window opening and away from the truck. Seconds later the cab was filled with flames; and soon thereafter larger flames enveloped the vehicle completely.
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