Henry D. Holleman, 41, garage owner, rescued Margaret J. Kirk, 66, Flora R. Harmon, 78, and Mary L. Gaynor, 71, from burning, Tyndall, South Dakota, September 23, 1950. In a collision with another vehicle at night on a highway, an automobile occupied by Miss Kirk, Mrs. Harmon, and Mrs. Gaynor was thrust against the rear of a truck driven by Holleman. Gasoline escaping from the fuel-tank was ignited, and flames six feet high engulfed the rear of the automobile. Dense flames covered the roadway beneath the automobile and projected one to two feet from its sides. Miss Kirk and the other two women sustained serious injuries and were thrown from the rear seat to the floor. Mrs. Harmon and Mrs. Gaynor were rendered unconscious. Flames broke out at the rear seat and ignited Mrs. Gaynor’s hair. Holleman, although somewhat stunned by the impact, drove off the highway and alighting from the truck ran 125 feet to the burning automobile. Although aware that the gasoline tank might explode, he wrenched open the partly-jammed door opposite Miss Kirk and pulled her outside. Within the automobile heat was intense. Reaching again through the doorway, he took hold of Mrs. Harmon and drew her from the automobile. Carrying her 10 feet to the edge of the highway, Holleman heard a tire blow out and fearing an explosion shielded Mrs. Harmon with his body. He returned immediately to the door-way and stepped into the automobile. He freed Mrs. Gaynor from wreckage on the floor and carried her outside, stepping through gusts of flame two to three feet high. He continued to the edge of the highway with Mrs. Gaynor. Flames destroyed the automobile. Miss Kirk and Mrs. Gaynor sustained severe burns. The women were hospitalized for long periods. Holleman was extremely nervous and suffered a second-degree leg burn which healed. 42142-3731
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