Danny L. Whaley saved W. Kelby Raynor from drowning, Hallsville, North Carolina, June 17, 1964. Raynor, 15, schoolboy, a poor swimmer, dived from the top of a steep 10-foot bank into the Northeast Cape Fear River. The wind was knocked out of him, and he called for help as he was submerged intermittently. Although somewhat tired from swimming, Whaley, 14, schoolboy, swam 12 feet to Raynor, who was flailing wildly end had drifted to 20 feet from the bank. In water 15 feet deep, Raynor grasped Whaley by the shoulders and caused both to be submerged. Whaley broke free of Raynor, and they surfaced. While trying to avoid further struggle, Whaley was submerged again with Raynor. Whaley brought Raynor to the surface and towed him 10 feet toward the bank despite his continuing struggles. They became separated, and Raynor was submerged briefly again. Moving behind him, Whaley took hold of Raynor who continued flailing and by kicking moved five feet farther toward the bank with him. Greatly fatigued, Whaley used his feet to push Raynor the rest of the way to the bank.
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