Denise Baum Discusses Midtown Crash That Claimed War Hero Husband's Life

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A decorated war veteran lost his life after saving his wife from an out of control car in Manhattan.

His heartbroken widow talked to CBS 2's Sean Hennessey about the crash and the man many are calling a hero.

Denise Baum, 62, and her husband Rubin, 80, were hailing a cab in Midtown Saturday night when a van and a car collided, careening into the cross walk.

"I saw this black shiny car coming toward us," Denise Baum told CBS 2's Sean Hennessey.

When Denise came to, she had just bruises, but her husband of 40 years was pinned under the car. "It was the most horrific thing you can imagine," Baum told Hennessey. "I scream, I see him and I just see his feet, his hands...It was so horrible and I screamed 'Someone get him out from under here.'"

Baum was taken to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Gone in an instant was a Korean War vet with two Purple Hearts, killed after one final act of bravery.

Ironically, Rubin and Denise met while hailing a cab. "I tried to steal his cab and he said, 'Hop in. I'll give you a lift,'" Denise said.

Rubin's father was also struck by a car and killed, Hennessey reported. " It's frightening that you die in the same way...he was pinned underneath a car," Denise said.

Rubin's son Shep Baum said he was proud of the way his father lived and died. "He was my hero and his last act was to save my mom."

Denise, a mother and now a widow, said she is grateful for the 40 years she had with her hero. "He was just the most dynamic, wonderful, kind, gentle, dynamic funny man. He was the love of my life."

Police said this was accident and no charges are expected.

However, Denise said she is surprised none of the drivers involved has reached out to apologize or express condolences.

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