Dramatic Rescue Enacted: Army Trainee and Father Successfully Rescue Individual in New York's Upland Region
In a dramatic turn of events on Route 9W near West Point, Army football player Larry Pickett Jr. and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., rescued a man from a crashed car that was on the verge of catching fire.
The car had collided with a utility pole, causing dangerously close sparks from the wires to threaten the vehicle. The man inside would have likely perished in the imminent fire if not for the timely intervention of the Picketts.
"I didn't hesitate once I realized the car was about to catch fire," Larry Pickett Jr. stated. His military mindset, honed at West Point, undoubtedly played a role in his quick thinking and decisive action.
The rescue was captured on video by Pickett Jr.'s sister, Lauren, and has since drawn national praise. General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr., who is buried at West Point Cemetery, commended the duo for their bravery.
The U.S. Military Academy also praised both father and son for their actions. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised Pickett Jr., saying he embodies the highest values of the Army and West Point.
While Larry Pickett Jr. is a notable figure at West Point, he is not alone. The Academy is home to a long line of distinguished military leaders, including BG Egbert Viele, MG George Goethals, LTC Edward White II, LTC George Armstrong Custer, COL David "Mickey" Marcus, MG John Buford, MG Robert Anderson, MG Wesley Merrit, MG Ethan Allen Hitchcock, BG John Thompson, MG Daniel Butterfield, BG Sylvanus Thayer, and MG George Sykes.
Among these illustrious names, ENS Dominick Trant and MSGT Martin Maher are recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. 1LT Laura Walker is another recipient of this prestigious award.
The identity of the man who was rescued from the crashed car remains unknown. However, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the selfless acts of bravery that are a part of West Point's legacy.
The Picketts' actions also echo those of Margaret Corbin, who, though not a military leader, is recognised for her service during the Revolutionary War. Susan & Anna Warner, though their roles are not specified, are also notable figures in West Point's history.
1LT Alonzo Cushing, a West Point graduate and a hero of the Civil War, would have undoubtedly been proud of the spirit of service and sacrifice demonstrated by Larry Pickett Jr. and his father. Their actions are a testament to the enduring values of the U.S. Military Academy and the Army.
