Catherine Mary Fridgen saved Francis E. Stimson from drowning, Oelwein, Iowa, July 17, 1921. While Francis, 16, schoolboy, was floating on water wings in Oelwein Lake, he drifted into deep water. The water wings got out of position, and Francis’s efforts to swim were futile. Catherine, 15, schoolgirl, who was much smaller than Francis and was uncertain whether she could rescue him, waded a few feet from the bank and then swam 110 feet to the point where Francis had disappeared. She went under water and took hold of Francis, who was three feet below the surface. She brought him to the surface unconscious and supported him for about three minutes until a man arrived with a boat and took them aboard. Francis was revived. 21610-2186
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21610-2186