Thomas H. Barkdull III

Thomas H. Barkdull III rescued Robert J. Routt and Chad J. Sokoloff from burning, Coral Gables, Florida, June 13, 1980. Robert, 16, and Chad, 18, were in a sedan which was involved in a night-time accident and then caught fire at the front end. Barkdull, 20, college student, ran to the vehicle as the flames spread. Reaching through a window opening, Barkdull removed Robert; but Chad was wedged between the front seats. Flames were spreading inside the sedan as Barkdull got into the rear-seat area and from there freed Chad. He then got out and pulled Chad through the door opening only moments before flames engulfed the automobile.