John R. Kolthoff, 25, aircraft mechanic, rescued George M. Cole, 22, and Orville N. Nilsen, 23, students, from burning, Seattle, Washington, January 2, 1949. When Kolthoff arrived, Cole was lying in the rear of the airplane. Heat was intense. The flames were spreading and by then entirely covered the side of the airplane forward of the door. Reaching inside, Kolthoff pulled Cole out and supported him as they walked 15 feet from the airplane. Releasing Cole, Kolthoff returned to the cabin. Bending over, he walked 15 feet forward in the aisle and came in contact with Nilsen. Unable to see Nilsen, he reached down, raised him to his feet, and dragged him as he walked backward to the doorway. With Nilsen in his arms, Kolthoff jumped to the ground, his knees buckling under him. He carried Nilsen 25 feet from the airplane and then returned to the doorway but was told not to reenter by a man who arrived. Cole sustained minor burns and other injuries. Nilsen was burned seriously. Kolthoff suffered from strained back muscles. All recovered. (See case of JOHN KOSTELNIK.)
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