Larry Pickett Jr., a cadet and soccer player at West Point, is being recognized for his bravery after he rescued a man from a burning car close to the military academy.
Footage of the incident, capturing Pickett Jr. and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., as they helped the injured driver, has gone viral.
The woman can be heard yelling, “Larry! Come on! Come on! Let him go!”
“The vehicle, a white sedan, crashed into a utility pole on Route 9W in Fort Montgomery, New York, about 3.8 miles from West Point,” the Associated Press noted. “A video recorded by Lauren, Pickett Jr.’s sister, displayed sparking wires around the car.”
Larry Pickett Sr. took to Facebook to commend his son for his “remarkable bravery.”
“After midnight, my son, Larry Pickett Jr., ran towards the flaming vehicle, undeterred by the crackling power lines,” Pickett Sr. shared. “With extraordinary courage, he pulled the man to safety, saving him from a fiery end.”
The cadet recounted to ABC News that he didn’t really think before rushing to assist the driver. It was more about instincts kicking in.
“Honestly, I didn’t give it much thought,” Pickett Jr. said. “There was a car wreck, someone needed help, and we just acted without overthinking it.”
West Point also celebrated Pickett Jr.’s courageous act on social media.
“I’m proud of the heroism displayed by second-year cadet Larry Pickett Jr. on Saturday night,” reads a message from the academy. Their actions reflect the values emphasized by the school.
Army athletic director Tom Theodorakis echoed this sentiment.
“Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. and his father stepped in during a crisis to demonstrate our cherished values and save lives,” Theodorakis wrote. “It’s impressive to witness such characteristics on and off the playing field.”
Pickett Jr.’s family was present in town to see the Army play Tarleton State in the season’s first game.
