D. Paul Henson, 39, driller, rescued Harold W. Rolens, 39, driller, and Farrell M. Hart, 30, power-shovel operator, from an explosion, Mine La Motte, Missouri, May 19, 1955. At night in a lead-ore mine 300 feet long, 200 feet wide, and 25 feet deep, Rolens, Hart, and Henson prepared 36 dynamite charges in holes drilled in one wall of the open-pit mine and began lighting the fuses. One charge exploded prematurely with a violent concussion, and Rolens and Hart were knocked down by the blast and seriously injured by flying fragments of rock. They arose and staggered about aimlessly. Rolens was badly dazed and again fell to the mine floor. Henson, who was thrust backward seven feet by the force of the blast, ran 25 feet to Rolens, picked him up, and carried him 150 feet to the cab of a large powershovel. Disregarding the cries of Hart to stay back, Henson ran to him. Obtaining a hold on Hart, who was dazed, Henson dragged him to the power-shovel. He placed Hart in the scoop of the shovel and then climbed into the cab. Less than a minute later the rest of the charges exploded, dislodging 300 tons of rock and hurling debris as far as 75 feet. Rolens and Hart recovered from their injuries. Henson was tired and winded. 43492-4028
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