William T. Best, 22, hostler, saved Garney P. Lamphere, 3, from burning, Owosso, Michigan, January 5, 1915. Best and Garney’s aunt ran from the house following an explosion of gasoline, with which the aunt had tried to start a fire in the cook stove. When he was reminded that Garney had been left on the kitchen floor, Best ran into the kitchen, then filled with flame and smoke. A three-gallon can of oil exploded, throwing flame everywhere. Locating Garney by his cries, Best seized him and ran out. When he emerged, his clothing was all aflame. The fire on him was extinguished with snow, but Best suffered burns on the face and hands that blinded him temporarily and disabled him 42 days. Garney was uninjured. 14118-1219
14118 – 1219
14118-1219