Charles O. Ferris, 11, schoolboy, saved Franklin D. Pierce, 11, from drowning, Westbrook, Maine, September 5, 1953. While playing on the understructure of a bridge, Franklin lost his footing, struck his head on a girder, and fell 10 feet into the Presumpscot River. He rose floundering in deep water 50 feet from the bank, his head bleeding profusely. Charles was attracted and dived eight feet into the water from the top of a bridge pier. Swimming 35 feet downstream Charles reached Franklin who was flailing his arms wildly. He submerged himself, turned Franklin toward the bank and rose behind him. Charles swam pushing Franklin to the bank, and they were aided from the water by others. Franklin had swallowed water and was badly fatigued. A physician treated his head cut. Charles was tired and winded. Both recovered. 42984-3916
42984 – 3916
42984-3916