Albert D. Hutton attempted to save William J. Wheeler, from drowning, Dracut, Massachusetts, August 2, 1941. While swimming in the Merrimack River, Wheeler, 40, mill hand, became distressed in water 25 feet deep 400 feet from the bank. Hutton, 45, linotype operator, removed most of his clothing, dived from the bank, and swam to Wheeler, who was dazed and took hold of his shoulders; and they were submerged briefly. Hutton forcibly broke the hold and with his fist struck Wheeler’s chin, Wheeler becoming somewhat limp. Taking hold of Wheeler, Hutton swam toward shore, drifting in a current of about two m.p.h. He became fatigued and called for help. When Hutton had swum and drifted 620 feet and was 20 feet from the bank, a man swam to him and gave him an end of a clothes-line; and Hutton and Wheeler were pulled to the bank. Wheeler, who was unconscious, could not be revived. Hutton was almost exhausted but recovered. 39278-2367
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