70-Year-old US Marine Corps Veteran Runs into Burning Apartment to Rescue Neighbor

James had just returned home from the bank when he saw the raging inferno. He immediately dialed 911 and bolted over to the nearby building to help.  He sprinted up to the 2nd floor apartment where he could see the flames coming from.  He hollered, screamed and pounded on his neighbor’s door but there was no response.  Instinctively, he knew he had to get into the apartment to determine if there was someone present and possibly unconscious from smoke inhalation.  Along with the help of two local boys, James kicked in the door. To his horror, he was right, there was a man trapped by the flames.  

"He is on fire! 'We gotta get him out quick!" James screamed to the two boys once they entered the burning apartment.  He then grabbed a blanket to put out the flames on the man’s clothing.   “I dragged him down the stairs, brought him (the victim) outside and put the fire out in his hair," James recalled of the terrifying ordeal.

The former Marine was asked what motivated him to fearlessly run right into danger without any protection gear when most would run the opposite direction.  The former Marine said his own safety was the furthest thing from his mind.  "I wasn't worried about that. That doesn't faze me. I worried about saving a life," the selfless and humble hero said.

The fire department soon arrived and extinguished the flames and his neighbor was flown to a burn unit at a nearby hospital.  James’s main concern was about his neighbor’s condition, but he was optimistic of his recovery. 

"I appreciate you so much," said Magistrate Judge Gregory Scott who presented a certificate to James for his heroism.  The Norristown Fire Department as well as the city also joined in with praise and have formal plans to honor their local hero. 

PassItOn and the Foundation For A Better Life would also like to celebrate James "Cowboy" Johnson, for his quick thinking and lifesaving response.  His action is a great example of the value of bravery as he courageously ran right into danger to save a life.  Please help us honor this remarkable hero by sharing his incredible story.

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/8WpOPWNtOZU

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