Lewis-McChord Soldier Honored for Saving Woman's Foot, and Maybe Life

Soldier Honored for Saving Woman's Foot, and Maybe Life
September 28, 2011
Knight Ridder|by Christian Hill

Pfc. Jose Delgado put his skills as an Army combat medic at a unexpected time: while picking up a pizza in Lakewood.

Delgado, 22, is credited for saving Mary Healey's foot and possibly her life when he saw white smoke spewing from the Union 76 gas station on Bridgeport Way on July 24. He was driving from the barracks on Joint Base Lewis-McChord to pick up dinner.

Delgado and Healey hugged at Monday night's Lakewood City Council meeting, where city leaders and emergency responders recognized the soldier for coming to her aid.

"He's my hero," said Healey, who faces the prospect of another surgery but is praying to regain full use of her foot. "I would not be sitting here talking on the phone if he had not taken the actions he took."

Delgado said he doesn't consider himself a hero but was glad he could help.

"To know that I did enough for her to get her foot back, that was one of the most amazing feelings I'd ever felt," Delgado said Tuesday.
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