Andrew A. Balboni, 43, retired postal carrier, helped to save Anna Ransom, 35, from drowning, Gloucester, Massachusetts, August 1, 1966. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Mrs. Ransom was caught in a strong undercurrent and became fatigued as she tried in vain to return to the beach. She was carried seaward and, alternately rising and sinking amid breakers five to seven feet high, called for help. Balboni, who suffered with rheumatoid arthritis and still was recuperating from surgery, was in the water 100 feet from Mrs. Ransom. He swam to her, reaching her 50 feet from shore. Balboni started to tow her toward the beach but lost his hold when a breaker struck them. He attempted to regain a hold on Mrs. Ransom as the undercurrent carried them farther from shore and they were submerged briefly. A young woman who also was having difficulty reached Mrs. Ransom and held to her. Balboni, who had surfaced 10 feet from them, tried to swim back to Mrs. Ransom but was carried farther seaward. Mrs. Ransom and the woman were submerged briefly several times. A lifeguard swam to Mrs. Ransom but then saw Balboni, who appeared very fatigued and in greater danger than the women. Noting that two other young men were approaching to give aid, the lifeguard urged Mrs. Ransom and the woman to tread water until the other help arrived. The lifeguard swam to Balboni, who was 180 feet from shore. The two young men towed Mrs. Ransom and the woman to the beach. The lifeguard towed Balboni to within 50 feet of shore and with the aid of others took him to the beach. Balboni was exhausted and barely conscious. He was removed to a hospital along with Mrs. Ransom and the woman. All recovered.
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