Charles E. Depuy, 12, schoolboy, saved James P. Nielsen, 10, from drowning, Grafton, North Dakota, April 24, 1965. While wading on a shelf on the face of a dam across the Park River, James fell into water eight feet deep and was submerged briefly. Unable to swim, he called for help as he was carried downstream. Charles, who earlier had removed his shoes and jacket, discarded his shirt and eyeglasses. He entered the water and swam 20 feet to James, who was submerging intermittently. James grasped Charles and climbed onto him, causing both to be submerged. Charles swallowed some water but broke away from James. They surfaced and were carried downstream. Charles swam behind James and took hold of him. James tried to break free, kicking Charles. Retaining his hold on James, who continued to struggle, Charles towed him 16 feet to wadable water. Both then waded to the bank.
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