Colin Edgar Turner helped to save Clark E. and Nancy K. Knowles from drowning, Takoma Park, Maryland, August 10, 1969. Floodwater three and a half feet deep moving over a viaduct spanning a creek threatened to sweep an automobile containing Clark, 3, and his parents into the stream. When Turner, 18, high school student, waded to the vehicle to give aid, Mrs. Knowles, 30, handed Clark to him. She then climbed through the window opening with help from Turner. Clark’s father also climbed out. With Mrs. Knowles holding to Turner, all attempted to reach dry land; but the current washed them to the side of the viaduct, where they obtained holds on the submerged railing as debris being carried downstream began to accumulate around them. Two volunteer firemen, one with a rope tied to him, started to wade to the Knowles family from one end of the viaduct. Leaving Clark with his father, Turner went to meet the men in water four feet deep. Ground at that end of the viaduct washed out, taking with it part of the pavement. The man with the rope was pulled from the water but died of internal injuries. Washed downstream, the other man drowned; but Turner obtained a hold on a tree and made his way thence to dry land. Firemen working from the other end of the viaduct removed the Knowles family from the floodwater.
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