BRAVE WATCHMAN RECEIVES MEDAL FROM PRESIDENT WILSON
Patrick W. Mulligan, a crossing watchman of Norristown, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a medal of honor by the President of the United States for risking his own life to save the life of a little child.
With the medal of honor there came a letter from President Wilson to Mr. Mulligan, telling of the President’s appreciation of his bravery.
August 19, 1914, Mr. Mulligan was on duty at the Mill Street crossing in Norristown. He had lowered the gates for an oncoming train when a little Italian child, about two and a half years old, ran under the gates out on the tracks.
The train was only a short distance away, but Mr. Mulligan jumped and caught the little one just in time to save her from going under the wheels. Both were struck by the engine.
When the train had passed, people ran to the spot. They found the brave watchman unconscious from a deep wound in his head, and from many bruises. The little girl’s foot was injured, but her life was saved.
That is why the medal and letter were sent to Mr. Mulligan.
A number of such medals have been given by the United States Congress to persons “who, by daring, endanger their own lives in saving, or endeavoring to save, the lives of others; or in preventing accidents upon any railroad.”
QUESTIONS