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

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

April 27, 2021 by Cathy Stack

Norristown, Pennsylvania - James "Cowboy" Johnson, a 70-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran with lung issues witnessed smoke and flames billowing out of his neighbor’s apartment. Without hesitation, he jumped into action.

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

Please tell us about your everyday Hero. The Heroes among us are ordinary people whose actions leave a lasting and positive impact in their communities and demonstrate the potential in all of us. Their heroic acts uphold our shared values. Help honor these individuals by creating a billboard and sharing their story at:  https://www.passiton.com/your-billboards/create

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70-Year-old US Marine Corps Veteran Runs into Burning Apartment to Rescue Neighbor #bravery #passiton Norristown,...

Posted by Foundation for A Better Life on Tuesday, April 27, 2021

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Your Comments
Tammie from Texas APRIL 29, 2021
God Bless You!!! Thank you for you selfless service. You are a true Hero

Mare McAnany & Family from Philadelphia, PA APRIL 28, 2021
True heroes walk among us - we rarely get to recognize them. Marine Johnson, we are humbled by your bravery. Your selfless action in saving your neighbor's life without hesitation gives us hope for a renewed world where honor, peace and love of our fellow man prevail. Once a Marine, always a Marine. We salute you from our deepest hearts, dear Marine James Johnson. Our world is a better place because of you.

Sharon Chambers-Smith from Paterson, New Jersey APRIL 28, 2021
Semper Fi my brother! May God continue to bless and keep you! Peace...

Sunny Castillo from Orlando FL APRIL 27, 2021
this is a MAN....

Mariana Miller-D'Alessandro from Bronx, New York APRIL 27, 2021
Thank you so much for this surprising and inspiring account of Mr. Johnson' s care for a neighbor in the fire. It was wonderful that you also had a video so we could hear him speak -- amazing! God bless him and PassItOn for your amazing moving sharing accounts!

A. Nonymous from Saint Charles, IL APRIL 27, 2021
A "we" hero in a "me" society. YOU, Cowboy, are truly an inspiration. I salute you....twice.

Anita from Texas APRIL 27, 2021
Thank you Cowboy for your heroism of saving your neighbors life. God bless you .


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