James Young Red McDaniel, 53, was killed on June 22, 1980, during a mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Daingerfield, Texas. A railroad shop foreman and active member of the church and local Masonic Lodge, McDaniel confronted the gunman while fellow congregants forced the attacker into the church foyer. In the struggle that followed McDaniel pushed the shooter through the front doors and was fatally shot.

The assailant used multiple weapons and killed five people and wounded ten. McDaniel’s intervention was later recognized for its bravery and he was posthumously honored by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.

If anyone attended First Baptist Church that day or has information about McDaniel’s actions or memory of him, please share what is known.