Charles W. Baker, 42, stockman and farmer, saved Joe Ann Monzingo, 13, from drowning, China Spring, Texas, June 25, 1938. While wading in the North Bosque River, Joe Ann lost her footing and drifted in a current of two m.p.h. to water seven feet deep 20 feet from the bank. Baker, who was tall but of frail physique and who was clothed but wore no shoes, waded 35 feet and then swam 20 feet to Joe Ann and pulled her head above the surface. Joe Ann threw her arm around Baker’s neck, and they were submerged. Baker broke the hold, and they rose separately. Baker then took hold of Joe Ann, stroked vigorously, and gave her a pull toward the bank, releasing his hold. Both were submerged briefly. He repeated the effort, again being submerged briefly; and altogether he pulled Joe Ann six feet. Becoming tired, Baker then swam to the bank and held for a minute to a large rock in deep water, Joe Ann meanwhile drifting eight feet toward him. Baker swam six feet to Joe Ann, and twice again he stroked vigorously and gave her a pull toward the bank. Both were submerged briefly each time. Baker then took hold of the rock, and Joe Ann took hold of his neck and shoulders. A young man swam to Joe Ann and towed her eight feet along the bank, and then she was pulled from the water. Baker swam 20 feet and was aided onto a ledge, on which the water was wadable. He was fatigued.
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