Bertram S. Starr

Bertram S. Starr helped to save Herman A. B. Smith from drowning, Norfolk, Virginia, March 17, 1935. While Herman, 16, and a companion were sailing a boat on the Lafayette River, the boat capsized at a point 700 feet from the bank. Herman clung briefly to the boat and then swam toward the bank. His companion was drowned. There was a wind of 30 m.p.h., and waves were 10 inches high. Bertram, 17, schoolboy, who was almost fully clothed, waded from the bank and then swam 560 feet to Herman. Herman grasped his shoulders, causing him to be slightly submerged. Bertram forcibly freed himself, and then, fully supporting Herman at times, he swam with great effort 375 feet toward the bank. At times he swam behind Herman and pushed him. A policeman then reached them and supported them as he swam a few feet toward the bank. Bertram then swam without aid near the policeman, who took Herman about 125 feet to a point 100 feet from the bank, where all three took hold of a boat and were towed to the bank. Herman recovered.