Carl T. Pearce saved Mellie Ann Prince from drowning, Raleigh, North Carolina, March 31, 1963. Mellie Ann, 12, got into difficulty in water beyond her depth in the Neuse River and called for help as the current carried her downstream. A 17-year-old boy swam out to her, but she grasped him around the neck, submerging him. They were carried farther downstream, where the boy sank. His body was later recovered. Meanwhile, Pearce, 30, roofer’s helper, heard screaming while fishing from the opposite bank at the scene. He ran 500 feet along the river to a point nearer Mellie Ann, then, removing only his shoes, entered the water and swam 220 feet to her. Pearce told Mellie Ann, who was still conscious, to get on his back, and she did. As Mellie Ann held Pearce around the neck, he towed her back to the bank, en route having to cross the river’s main channel, which was 12 feet deep
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