Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1975-01-03
Invested on: 1975-09-22
On March 27, 1973, Pasquale Burgio was engaged in clearing waste form an industrial plant when he observed two employees overcome by fumes from the interior of a tank they were cleaning. The one man had collapsed on the floor and the rescuer dragged him out of the building into the clear air. Mr. Burgio had himself absorbed some of the fumes and when he had caught his breath, he discovered that the man had gone back to help his mate and had collapsed a second time. Once more the rescuer brought him out and returned for the second workman who was slumped over the side of the tank. Mr. Burgio took this man on his back and carried him down the stairs. Then the two succeeded in crawling out of the building where the rescuer collapsed and was taken to hospital for treatment.