Gappa Loses Hand

GAPPA

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/6/2006 at 19:32:14

Helena Independent; Helena, Montana; Oct. 28, 1938

FARMER PULLS HAND OFF TO KEEP FROM GOING INTO MACHINE

Emmetsburg, Iowa, Oct. 19 -(AP)- Evidently believing it was the only way to save his life, Andrew Gappa, 47, farmer near here, tore one of his arms apart to free it from a cornpicking machine in which his hand was caught late today.

His hand remained in the mechanism of the machine.

Gappa, alone at the time of the accident, evidently feared his body would be pulled into the machine unless his arm was freed.

With a jerk he tore his arm loose at the wrist, then walked to his house. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors said he would recover.