April 30, 1940
THE GRAPE VINE
Page Fifteen _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Board Picks
Fireman Hero
Selection of Auto Fireman Milo T. Hawkins to receive the Fire Department's
Medal of Valor for outstanding bravery was voted yesterday by the Los
Angeles Fire Commission, the choice being the first for that honor since
1930.
The honor is in connection with the efforts of Rescue Company No. 6 on
April 13 to rescue Kenneth Jensen and Fireman Ben H. Morris, who succumbed
from gasoline fumes in a pit near 128th and Figueroa Streets, 250 feet
outside the city limits.
The board also decided to send a citation for bravery of Morris, who died
trying to rescue Kenneth Jensen, to his mother, Mrs. Rose Morris, and
letters commending Martin S. Bushling, Charles Heaton, Steve Hergoth and
Cameron Wright.
The four men are credited with rendering every assistance in the rescue
work and co-operating with the firemen.
Only 10 firemen have ever received the Medal of Valor since it was created
under former Fire Chief Archibald J. Ely, because it is not given for
ordinary bravery in line of duty.
The medal is awarded in cases of attempted rescue made at exceptional risk
to life and the action of Hawkins in descending into the gas-filled pit
after Jensen and Morris, facing the same situation which caused their
deaths, was regarded as the exceptional risk.
The official report of the case to the commission related that Hawkins,
when he entered the pit, knew what he faced, because he told Bushling what
to do in case he became unconscious while tying a rope to the two men and
himself.
Bushling carried out the instructions so that Hawkins was brought out soon
enough to be revived. At the same time the two others were removed.
The commission authorized manufacture of one of the medals, which are made
subject to a demand for them, and then will set a date for the ceremony to
be held in connection with the presentation to Hawkins.
The 10 who have received the honor are Lieut. Harry J. Griffin, Capt.
Edwin A. Gripp, deceased; Firemen Thorne R. Halvorsen, Frank E.
Tuttle, Mario Scarabosio, John C. Hough, deceased; Harry S. Merritt,
Alexander J. McDonald, John L. Evans and Gordon B. Mansfield.
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