West Point Football Player and Father Hailed as Heroes for Burning Car Rescue
Larry Pickett Jr., an Army football player, and his father heroically rescued a driver from a burning car crash near West Point, earning commendation from the U.S. Military Academy and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for their bravery.
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Overview
- Larry Pickett Jr., an Army football player from West Point, and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., were commended for their heroic actions in rescuing a driver.
- The father-son duo bravely pulled a man from a burning car following a crash that occurred near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
- Larry Pickett Sr. praised his son's courage, attributing his character and readiness to act to the values instilled by the West Point institution.
- Army Secretary Dan Driscoll specifically lauded Larry Pickett Jr. for embodying the core values of the Army and West Point during the critical rescue.
- The U.S. Military Academy officially recognized the heroic efforts of both Larry Pickett Jr. and his father in saving the driver's life.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a clear example of heroism, directly linking the cadet's actions to the core values of the U.S. Military Academy and the Army. They emphasize institutional pride and the embodiment of "duty, honor, country," presenting the rescue as a testament to West Point's character development. The narrative consistently elevates the cadet's actions through commendations and positive descriptors.
"Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. and his father exemplify the values we hold dear, stepping up in a moment of crisis to save a life."
CBS News"An Army football player and his father pulled a man from a crashed car just before it burst into flames near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, earning praise from the institution for “heroic” and “selfless” actions."
Chicago TribuneArticles (4)
Center (2)
FAQ
Larry Pickett Jr. is a second-year Army football player and cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Larry Pickett Sr. is his father. They heroically rescued a driver trapped in a burning car crash near West Point by pulling him from the vehicle just before it burst into flames.
They faced danger from the burning vehicle as well as live electrical wires dangling from the utility pole the car had crashed into. Despite these hazards, they rushed to rescue the trapped driver without hesitation.
The U.S. Military Academy officially recognized their heroic efforts, with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praising Larry Pickett Jr. for embodying Army and West Point's core values during the rescue.
The crash occurred early Sunday morning near Fort Montgomery, NY, when the car struck a utility pole and caught fire. The driver was conscious and alert when rescued and upon arrival of emergency services, but further details about the driver's condition or crash cause have not been released.
Larry Pickett Jr. credited his military training and the values instilled by West Point for his readiness to act decisively and courageously in the rescue. His father also praised his character and leadership demonstrated in the moment.
History
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