| Photo of the Month June 2026 |
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| Courtesy Carnegie Hero Fund Commission | |||
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, established in 1904 by Pittsburgh steelmaker Andrew Carnegie, awards the Carnegie Medal to individuals in the United States and Canada who risk death or serious physical injury to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others.
Tragically, cousin Donald Robert DeVine was the posthumous recipient of a Carnegie Medal, the husband of Marjorie Elizabeth Leonard of the family of Eli and Catherine (Dean) Leonard.
The DeVines and their son dwelled in the West View section of Pittsburgh, with Donald employed in the early 1970s by Equitable Gas Company. Tragedy struck on Nov. 7, 1971 during a routine repair of a gas main valve in an underground vault at Gardner and Lowrie Streets in the Mount Troy neighborhood. Without warning, "gas began spewing from a line in the manhole," reported the Harrisburg Evening News. Donald and his co-workers "were either working in the manhole when the rupture occurred or were working nearby and tried to rescue their fellow employees." Occupants of buildings over several city blocks were evacuated, and students at North Catholic High School moved to a place of safety. Fortunately, the gas leak was contained. But Donald didn't make it out alive, nor did four other co-workers -- Monroe Coleman, Raymond Grundler, William H. Letzkus and Charles Pitassi -- who succumbed to methane poisoning.
In recognition of his heroism and sacrifice, Donald posthumously was chosen to receive the bronze medal, with his case assigned the official number 52874-5921.
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Copyright © 2026 Mark A. Miner |
