On November 3, 1991, shortly after 11 p.m., West Traffic Motor Officer James Wallace had completed his shift and was on his way home. As Officer Wallace turned from the westbound Santa Monica to the northbound San Diego Freeway, his attention was taken by a pall of smoke on his left. Officer Wallace parked his police motorcycle, took his flashlight then ran to the top of the embankment where he discovered a Jeep station wagon burning below. Officer Wallace radioed for fire and rescue ambulance assistance, then ran down the steep hillside. Due to the wagon’s front windshield being blown out, Officer Wallace checked the ground for possible ejected passengers, although none were found. The Jeep’s roof and rear seats were burning, and the wagon was filled with smoke. Officer Wallace reached for the driver’s door but the intense heat on his face and arms singed his hair and drove him back. Summoning his courage and strength Officer Wallace shielded his face and arms with his nylon service jacket and popped the door, only to find the driver lying unconscious on the seat. Officer Wallace yelled at the man but received no response. Officer Wallace was then driven back by the increasing heat. Officer Wallace knew that he had only one more chance to reach the driver, so, braving the flames and smoke, he leaned his entire body into the station wagon, grabbed the man’s collar and gave a tremendous pull. The driver’s body came free, then suddenly stopped half-way out, because his feet had caught under the dashboard. By now, the front seats, the headliner, and even the floor-board of the car were also aflame. With the full force of the heat and smoke assaulting him, Officer Wallace reached virtually into the flames to free the driver’s feet. As Officer Wallace grabbed the unconscious driver something exploded and the officer and the victim both flew backward to the ground outside. Officer Wallace quickly recovered from the blast then dragged the driver about 50 feet from the vehicle before running back to the burning Jeep to look for additional victims. None were found. By this time the surrounding brush was also aflame, and any escape for the two men – other than going up the embankment – was impossible. With no other alternative, Officer Wallace picked up the unconscious victim, put him over his shoulder, and climbed some 60 yards up the steep hillside. Police and fire units arrived shortly thereafter. The driver was revived and treated for head, abdominal, and left arm injuries – and transported to UCLA Medical Center. Officer Wallace was treated for pain, minor strains, and singed hair. His flashlight was less fortunate. It had melted from the intense heat. Officer Wallace was commended for his outstanding courage and bravery. There is no question that only because of his tenacity was the life of the motorist saved. His performance was far above that expected of any police officer. For service in the highest standards of the Los Angeles Police Department, Officer James H. Wallace was awarded his Department’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.