Clayton M. Spainhower saved Herbert C. Briggs from drowning, Fort Myers, Florida, May 30, 1963. Herbert, 9, who could not swim, got into water beyond his depth in Lake Rhonda, was submerged briefly several times, and called for help. Clayton, 13, schoolboy, waded and swam 50 feet to where Herbert was flailing wildly in water seven feet deep. Herbert grasped him around the neck, but Clayton forcibly broke his hold. After being submerged again briefly, Herbert grasped Clayton by the shoulders. Pushing Herbert onto his back, Clayton placed an arm under his chin and began towing him toward the bank. Herbert, coughing on water he had swallowed, continued to squirm. Clayton maintained his hold on him and swam 20 feet to a woman who had waded into the water. Together Clayton and the woman took Herbert 10 feet farther toward the bank. Breathing heavily, Clayton then secured footing and waded to the bank as the woman followed with Herbert.
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