Walter W. Kragh, 30, machine operator, helped to rescue Amos B. Buchanan, Jr., 36, automobile salesman, from burning, Robertson, Missouri, August 24, 1954. An airplane Buchanan was flying crashed in the grassy medial strip of a highway. One wing section was torn off, and the fuselage broke almost in two at the forward edge of the cockpit. Buchanan, who was secured to his seat by a safety-belt and shoulder-straps, lost consciousness. Dense flames broke out at the nose, and flames rising a foot and a half from the cockpit floor enveloped Buchanan’s legs. Kragh alighted from an automobile and ran to the airplane, advancing to the cockpit through scattered flames in the grass. He stepped upward onto the fuselage, reached into the cockpit, and unbuckled Buchanan’s safety-belt and shoulder-straps. He got hold of Buchanan, whose clothing was smoldering, and lifted him from the seat. Two other men then arrived, and one of them helped Kragh lower Buchanan from the cockpit. The men then dragged Buchanan clear of the airplane as Kragh followed. Firemen extinguished the flames, which consumed all but the metal parts of the airplane. Buchanan, who suffered severe burns and internal injuries, died later that day. Kragh sustained hand burns which healed in three weeks. 43381-4023
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