Ray S. Jenney

Ray S. Jenney rescued Charles G. Burlingham from burning, Battle Creek, Michigan, October 9, 1941. While Burlingham, 19, and another man were working in a large gas tank, propane gas exploded in the tank; and they were seriously burned. Jenney, 39, master mechanic, who was attracted to the tank, aided Burlingham’s companion from a manhole in the top. Holding his breath, Jenney then entered the manhole, descended a ladder nine feet through smoke to the bottom of the tank, and walked 15 feet to Burlingham, who was dazed and kicked him. He then aided Burlingham to the ladder, reaching it a minute and a half after he had entered the tank. Another man on top of the tank then aided Burlingham to climb out of the manhole. Jenney, who was breathing with difficulty, rested briefly and then climbed out of the manhole. He was weak and bruised, and he coughed for a week. Burlingham died from burns five hours later, and his companion died the following day.