Austin M. Peacher, 43, telephone company engineer, saved William R. Sherman, 11, and Charles W. Mohler, 8, from drowning, Miami Beach, Florida, July 4, 1952. While bathing in the Atlantic Ocean, William and Charles were swept off their feet by waves and carried into deep water by a strong undertow. Peacher was attracted and ran 175 feet to the shoreline. Swimming 100 feet in heavy surf, he reached William and pushed him 10 feet to wadable water. Peacher continued swimming 360 feet to Charles through waves two to three feet high. He obtained a hold on Charles and attempted to tow him shoreward but could make no progress swimming with one arm. Directing Charles to take hold of his shoulders from the back, Peacher swam 200 feet with Charles and gained footing in the troughs between the waves. A man relieved Peacher of Charles and carried the latter to shore. Peacher required assistance from others in wading from the surf. Charles and Peacher had swallowed water and nearly were exhausted. Both recovered. 3853-42641
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