JavaScript is not enabled in your web browser. You must enable JavaScript to properly view the Medal of Valor website.

Vincent Calderon

Traffic Officer

California Highway Patrol

3/16/1972

Special Act Award (Gold)

Gold Medal of Valor
A pickup truck with a large camper was southbound on Route 101 approximately one half mile north of Tennant Road near Morgan Hill, when it suddenly swerved to the right, left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and then crashed into a large walnut tree. The truck exploded on impact and immediately caught on fire, fed by the gasoline tank that had separated from the vehicle and was lying under the cab. All traffic came to a stop. The male victim was conscious and screaming for help, but unable to get out. 30-40 people initially stopped to help, but were driven back by the flames. Traffic Officer Vincent Calderon arrived at the scene and immediately used his fire extinguisher on the victim and in the cab area when ammunition stored in the camper starting exploding. The heat drove Officer Calderon and a good Samaritan back and the good Samaritan stated at that time he gave the victim up for dead because of the heat, his trapped position, and the exploding ammunition. Officer Calderon stayed with the victim and fought his way through the flames and again tried to extract him from the vehicle, but the doors were jammed shut and the heat forced Officer Calderon back again. Meanwhile, the various types of ammunition were exploding and the fire was becoming more intense. With help from the good Samaritan, Officer Calderon was finally able to pull the 220 pound victim out of the vehicle and drag him to a place of safety. It was estimated that 40 – 50 rounds of ammunition went off during the rescue. The victim was severely burned over thirty percent of his upper body, but expected to recover.