Pastor Mark Robinette, 55, has been posthumously awarded North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism after sacrificing his life to save his family from a devastating house fire.
On January 23, 2024, fire engulfed the Orient pastor’s two-story home. Robinette successfully rescued his wife and two of his children through windows before returning inside for his trapped 10-year-old and 17-year-old sons. All three perished from smoke inhalation.
The Carnegie Medal recognizes extraordinary heroism by those who risk serious injury or death to save others. Since 1904, 10,528 individuals have received this honor.
“He ironically lost his life pretty much the way he had always lived it,” said his widow, Andrea, who described Mark as a devoted missionary and father of eight children.
Robinette was also an accomplished author, having written “Myanmar Gold” about Christian conversion in Burma.
