Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1985-07-15
Invested on: 1985-12-06
A mechanic was working on a car's fuel system on 31 January 1984, when he was drenched by a large quantity of gasoline. Somehow, the fuel ignited and he and the immediate area were instantly engulfed in flames. Several co-workers fled, the open doors providing more oxygen for the fire. Sixteen-year-old James King, with complete disregard for his own welfare, left the relative safety of the parts counter and went to the man, helping to beat out the flames with his bare hands. He then lifter the badly-burned mechanic and helped him out, driving him to the local hospital. Had he not intervened, it is certain that the man's injuries would have been much worse, if not fatal.