Van Nuys Man Who Rescued Victim of Attack to Get Medal

A 36-year-old Van Nuys man who risked his life to save another man from being stabbed to death was one of 19 people chosen to receive the Andrew Carnegie Medal for heroism.

James Edward Fell is being honored for coming to the rescue of Eulalio Castellanos, 29, of Los Angeles in a stabbing attack Dec. 15, 1986, said Walter Rutkowski, secretary of the Andrew Carnegie Hero Fund Commission of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Fell, who witnessed the assault while driving by in his car, came to the aid of Castellanos and was stabbed after he struck the assailant, Rutkowski said. Fell and Castellanos were hospitalized for their injuries and later recovered, Rutkowski said.

Fell was notified about his award Friday in a letter from the Carnegie Commission, Rutkowski said. Fell and Castellanos were unavailable for comment Wednesday.

In addition to a medal and a certificate, each of the 19 award recipients will receive a check for $2,500, Rutkowski said.

The award was established by industrial magnet Andrew Carnegie in 1904 and is presented to recipients throughout the United States and Canada six times a year, Rutkowski said. Since the award’s inception, about $17.7 million has been given to people who have aided others in life-threatening situations, he said.