Willie E. West helped to save Charlene J. Beron from burning, Punta Gorda, Florida, May 10, 1991. Mrs. Beron, 60, was rendered unconscious after her automobile was struck from behind by a delivery truck and burst into flame. West, 37, ran to the burning car from a nearby shopping center, as did another man. They struggled to open the doors on its driver’s side, then found Mrs. Beron on the back seat, near flames which were entering the car through its broken windows. With flames increasing, West partially entered the car, seized Mrs. Beron, and, aided by the other man, who also had entered, pulled her out. They carried her away from the car moments before it was engulfed in flame. Mrs. Beron was hospitalized for injuries received in the accident, and West sustained blistering to his right arm, from which he recovered.
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