Cleon A. Roberts saved Gus D. Ragland from drowning, Carysbrook, Virginia, February 17, 1971. Ragland, 48, carpenter, fell from a railroad bridge into the Rivanna River, where he floated inert face down as he was carried downstream. Roberts, 45, carpenter, descended the riverbank and entered the cold water fully clothed. In water 10 feet deep 25 feet from the bank, he obtained a hold on Ragland, who still was inert, and began towing him diagonally across the current. Although experiencing some difficulty, Roberts moved Ragland to the bank; but then could not find footing there. He held to a tree and forced some water from Ragland. The latter was breathing regularly by the time other men arrived and aided him and then Roberts out of the water. Ragland recovered fully.
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