Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1997-10-31
Invested on: 1998-05-15
Steven Wayne Payne, M.B.
Staff Sergeant Silas L. Summers, Jr., M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On June 22, 1996, American citizens Payne and Summers rescued two Canadians from a burning van in Mamelia, New York. On their way to a fishing trip, Mr. Payne and Staff Sgt. Summers came upon the scene of a head-on highway collision. As the passengers of one wreck could not be saved, the men rushed to the other vehicle. Staff Sgt. Summers pried open the passenger door, released the man's seatbelt and was pulling him out when he was overcome by the thick smoke. Mr. Payne then reached in, lifted the man out and, with the help of a bystander, pulled him a safe distance away. Meanwhile, Staff Sgt. Summers re-entered the vehicle, found a second passenger wedged between the seats and managed to dislodge her but the flames forced him back before he could get her out. Mr. Payne then went back in to complete the rescue. Despite the rescuers' most valiant efforts, a third victim, the driver, could not be saved.