Maintenance Man

Department of Transportation

12/23/1964

Special Service Award (Silver)

District 1 Maintenance Man William F. Wilson, Jr., saved the George M. Leatherwood Memorial Bridge over the Eel River from almost certain destruction by dynamiting a log jam that was pounding against it during a heavy winter storm. Mr. Wilson unhesitatingly volunteered his services when dynamiting the jam appeared to be the best solution. Although high winds, swirling water, and pounding rain made his footing precarious, Mr. Wilson stepped onto slippery, shifting logs carrying a case of dynamite. His only protection was a rope around his waist. Correctly judging the main log in the jam, he placed the charge and then made his way back over the slippery logs and the raging river until he was pulled to safety by his co-workers. The dynamite was detonated and the log jam dispersed and floated downstream, relieving the bridge of the immediate danger.