NEWS: James B. SHINAFELT, Heroic Service Award, 1923, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Robert B. Shinafelt 
<linrob@sbcglobal.net>

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/
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PENNSY ENGINEMEN WILL GET MEDALS
           ________________

Superintendent Elmer Recommends Awards to James B. Shinafelt and H. H. 
Fink for Saving Lives.
      _________________

  Two Middle division engineers, James B. Shinafelt of Hollidaysburg 
and H. H. Fink of Harrisburg have been recommended by Superintendent 
William Elmer to the board of directors of the Pennsylvania railroad 
for medal awards for the heroic services in saving lives.
  The company some time ago authorized the awarding of medals for the 
performance of acts of heroism and the engineers named are the first to 
be singled out for such recognition on the Middle division.
  Engineer Shinafelt saved the life of Edwin Weaver, a 10-year-old boy 
residing in Frankstown, on March 15.  The boy lost his balance while 
playing along the Juniata River near his home and was fast drowning, 
when the attention of Shinafelt, who was firing his engine, was called 
to the lad's plight.
  He made a flying leap from the engine, slid down a steep embankment, 
jumped across a gully and got the boy out, applying his knowledge of 
first aid and pumped the water out of the boy until he revived him.  He 
then carried him home.
  Engineer Fink some time ago dragged an unidentified woman out from 
the path of some freight cars, which whizzed by a few seconds later and 
saved her life at Newport.
  The woman had been walking on the track Fink's locomotive was using 
and she stepped to the other track as the engine approached, right in 
the path of the oncoming cars.  Fink noticed her and when his engine 
came abreast of her, he leaped and saved her life.  It is thought the 
woman is a mute, as she continued on her way without uttering a word.
  It is expected that the company directors will act upon Mr. Elmer's 
recommendations in the near future.

Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., July 15, 1923