Allen W. McDowell, 22, tool dresser, saved Jessie P., 15, and James R. Bateson, 3, from burning, Delaware, Oklahoma, January 22, 1910. McDowell, Jessie, James, and several children were in a tent when gas and gasoline escaped into the tent through a broken pipe and exploded. The burning gas and fluid swept across the tent three or four feet from the floor, and all rushed from the tent but Jessie and James. Their escape was cut off by flames and by the wooden sides of the tent. Jessie crouched in the middle of the tent with James and screamed for help. McDowell turned and, bending down in order to be under the flames, entered the tent immediately. He grasped Jessie and James and gave them a strong push toward the opening of the tent, losing his balance as he did so. He fell against the pipe from which the gasoline was escaping, and his clothing from his waist up was saturated and ignited. He rushed from the tent and then became unconscious. He was badly burned and was disabled ten months. Jessie and James were not burned seriously. 7474-718
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