Carlton A. Thomas, Jr. died helping to save James R. Breedlove from drowning, Guntersville, Alabama, November 25, 1971. When his automobile plunged into Guntersville Lake, Breedlove, 23, sanitation department employee, called for help. Thomas, 29, roofer, was attracted and, although a poor swimmer, entered the cold water to give aid. He reached Breedlove in deep water about 18 feet from a causeway across the lake. From behind Breedlove, Thomas pushed him toward the causeway. Both men were submerged briefly with each push. They were within 10 feet of the causeway when they went under again. Only Breedlove returned to the surface. Another man entered the water and towed Breedlove the remaining distance to the causeway. A rescue squad recovered the body of Thomas.
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