Davis Dodge rescued Shirley C. Badke from burning, Augusta, Georgia, January 12, 1995. Ms. Badke, 36, was working in the reception area of her company’s office building when a two-engine airplane, attempting an emergency landing at a nearby airport, crashed just outside the building. The plane burst into flame and skidded into the building; flames spread through the reception area. Her clothing aflame, Ms. Badke moved to a hall that led to a rear exit of the building. She called for help. Dodge, 46, an executive of the same company, was in his office off the hall when the plane struck. Not knowing what had happened, he stepped into the hall and saw Ms. Badke. Rather than flee toward the building’s rear exit, Dodge ran toward the burning reception area to reach Ms. Badke. As smoke and flames rapidly worsened, he grasped her, then turned and dragged her to the exit. There, another man helped Dodge remove Ms. Badke to safety. Ms. Badke required lengthy hospitalization for treatment of extensive third-degree burns. Dodge was hospitalized overnight for treatment of second-degree burns to his head, hands, and a leg; he recovered. All four occupants of the plane died.
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