Civilian Medal of Honor
This is a special award, given only when the occasion arises. As you read below you will see the special requirements for this award.
2002 Julius Bratton-Robert Bratton-Dennis Bratton
On November 17, 2002, family and neighbors helped carry a woman out of her burning house. The woman and her son were injured in the 6:46 p.m. fire on Bishop Street. A neighbor, 11 year old Julius Bratton was sitting on the front porch when he saw strange flashes across the street near 1019 Bishop Street.
“I thought it was a fire,” said Julius, whose fear led his family to snap into action. One person called 911 while Robert and Dennis Bratton dashed across the street to the burning homes front porch.
“There was a lot of smoke,” said Robert. As they moved closer, they heard cries for help. They saw their neighbor, Ray Jackson, trying to carry his mother, Lucille Smith, to safety.
“I wasn’t going to let her burn.” Robert said. “Everybody on this street is like family.”
When they were out of the house, Smith told them she was hurt. She appeared to have burns on her legs and lower back, neighbors said. Smith was in critical condition at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and later that evening was transported to Augusta Burn Center. Ray Jackson was also transported for medical care and was admitted overnight for observation.