Davis Beecher Conley helped to rescue Robert M. Wilday from burning, Oneonta, New York, August 2, 1987. Wilday, 58, was caught in the wreckage of the cab of a tractor-trailer following a highway accident. One of the truck’s fuel tanks ruptured and caught fire, and flames entered the cab, burning Wilday. Conley, 36, computer programmer who witnessed the accident, ran to the scene, as did another man. They climbed atop the trailer to a point near the driver’s door of the cab. Wilday extended his arms through the open window, and the other man grasped them and pulled, partially removing him. When a side mirror blocked Wilday’s exit, Conley kicked it away, then with the other man pulled Wilday the remaining distance out. The men jumped to the ground, then ran from the tractor, which was engulfed by flames within moments. Wilday was treated for first-, second- and third- degree burns; he recovered. Conley received lesser burns to his face and hand, and he too recovered.
62306 – 7233
62306-7233