When N.C. veteran Albert Cinquepalma entered O'Hare airport to make his connecting flight, he had no idea that his life was about to hang in the balance. The 82 year old veteran was taking an escalator when his travel bag got caught in the feed. Albert toppled backward and fell down the escalator, tearing the skin from his arm along the way. The bleeding was profuse and airport staff informed Albert that the medical staff would not be able to get to him for at least 20 minutes. Fortunately for Albert, more immediate aid was at hand.
A fellow traveler, Ted Russell, saw the commotion and stopped to offer his help. Ted is a salesman for a product called Quik Clot, an emergency clotting bandage currently used on the field of battle by deployed soldiers. Ted quickly bandaged the wounds on Albert's arm and the bleeding was finally stopped. Once assured that his charge would be ok, the humble salesman then left without thought of reward or applause.
Albert was later taken to Chicago's Resurrection Hospital and despite the severe injuries to his arm, he fully recovered. Moved by the kindness of the stranger who stopped to help him, Albert used the empty Quick Clot package to lead him back to the man who had saved him. He contacted Quick Clot who put him in touch with Ted where the veteran was finally able to express his thanks.
"If anyone is a hero, it’s Albert and what he did for our country," Russell said after the call from Cinquepalma.
Cinquepalma served in the Heavy Weapons Infantry, 7th Division, 32nd Regiment, Company D for an 81mm mortar platoon during the Korean War. He took fire in the back on June 2, 1951, when he was a forward observer.
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