Star of Courage
Awarded on: 1973-09-24
Invested on: 1975-02-14
Joseph Kruszelnicki, S.C.
Star of Courage
On May 6, 1972, Joseph Kruszelnicki went to the aid of his farmer uncle when the tractor he was driving caught fire. The farmer had suffered a seizure and the tractor ran against a concrete wall where friction set fire to the tires on the rear wheels. In turn, some lumber was ignited and the rescuer had to make his way through the burning debris. The victim was wedged into the cab of the vehicle and it was only at peril to his own life that Mr. Kruszelnicki succeeded in dislodging the unconscious man. He persisted and both men fell to the ground severely burned.