Lewis Ed Kerst, III

Lewis Ed Kerst III saved Christopher M. and Allison A. Johnson from burning, Livermore, California, October 25, 1986. Christopher, 2, and Allison, five months, were in separate bedrooms of their family’s one-story bungalow when it caught fire; the house filled with smoke. From adjoining property, Kerst, 31, painter, was attracted to the fire and told of the children’s location by their mother, who had escaped to the back steps. Kerst entered the house through a bedroom window and found Christopher. He carried Christopher to the window and passed him outside to safety. Kerst then turned and penetrated the house through a smoke-filled interior hall to Allison’s room. In limited visibility, he felt for Allison and found her in her crib. Kerst carried Allison through the hall and back to the window, where he passed her to safety before exiting himself. Both children were treated for smoke inhalation, and they recovered.