The 47 students aboard a Norris School District bus Aug. 24 when it was struck by a pickup and rolled onto its side will receive heroes medals from the American Legion Auxiliary.

Donna Gana, a member of the Hickman Legion Auxiliary, said she requested medals for all the kids.

Though some of the passengers were more involved than others in getting fellow students out of the bus, Gana said it was impossible to distinguish the key helpers -- so she requested and received medals for all 47.

The medals will be presented at 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Cortland Auditorium. They'll be given out by bus driver Ronnie Aden, 67, who was injured in the crash.

The accident occurred as the bus neared the end of its early morning route. The bus and a pickup driven by Jeffrey Hall, 50, of Hickman collided in the intersection of Gage Road and South 25th Street. Hall, who also was injured, was cited for careless driving.

The impact of the crash rolled the bus onto its right side. The front end of the pickup truck was ripped off, and the pickup caught fire.

Twenty-three of the students were injured, but all had been released by the end of the day.

The awards presentation is open to the public.