FORT MONTGOMERY, N.Y. (AP) — An exceptional act of courage was displayed by Army football player Larry Pickett Jr. and his father, Larry Pickett Sr., when they rescued a man from a crashed vehicle moments before it ignited into flames near the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. This incident occurred early Sunday morning, and the duo received widespread acclaim from the academy for their “heroic” and “selfless” conduct during a critical moment.
Video footage captured by Pickett Jr.'s sister, Lauren, showcased the dramatic rescue, where the father-son pair pulled the driver from the mangled car. As they worked to free the man, desperate cries for help echoed: “Larry! Come on! Come on! Get him out!” This alarming scene unfolded when the car, identified as a white sedan, collided with a utility pole along Route 9W in Fort Montgomery, New York—approximately 3.8 miles (6.1 kilometers) from West Point. As they approached the wreckage, unsettling sparks from severed electrical wires were visible around the vehicle.
The Picketts were in the area for Larry Jr.'s first football game of the season and were returning to campus following a family dinner in Times Square, New York City. They stayed with the injured man until emergency responders arrived at the scene, demonstrating their commitment to his safety and well-being.
In a heartfelt Facebook post accompanied by the rescue video, Pickett Sr. expressed deep admiration for his son’s bravery. He reflected on the moment, stating, “Just after Midnight, I watched in awe as my son, Larry Pickett Jr., ran toward a burning vehicle, ignoring the downed power lines crackling around it. With immense courage, he pulled a man to safety, saving him from a fiery fate.” Pickett Sr. reported that his son’s military training kicked in, prompting him to immediately act in such a perilous situation.
The U.S. Military Academy publicly acknowledged the Picketts' actions on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling them a representation of the values upheld by the Army. They praised Cadet Larry Pickett Jr. and his father for their exemplary behavior during a time of crisis, underlining the embodiment of selfless service, leadership, and courage that the academy aims to instill in its cadets.
Army Athletic Director Tom Theodorakis echoed these sentiments, noting that the conduct displayed by the Picketts is precisely what the institution strives to cultivate in its students. He commended the duo for stepping up in a moment of crisis to save a life, stating, “Proud to see these traits in action, on and off the fields of friendly strife. Count the brave.”
On the gridiron, Pickett Jr. had achieved a notable turnout the day prior, contributing to a tackle during Army's season opener, which resulted in a 30-27 overtime loss to Tarleton State. He is scheduled to play next on September 6 at Kansas State.
Expressing profound gratitude, Pickett Sr. concluded his heartfelt Facebook message with thanksgiving, noting, “Thank you Jesus that this man will live to see another day! I am so grateful for my son LJ for saving his life!” This incident not only highlights the character and readiness that West Point nurtures within its cadets but also demonstrates a profound commitment to service beyond the battlefield.
