David E. Hard saved Norma J. Thompson from drowning, Springfield, Illinois, December 9, 1934. Norma, 14, broke through thin ice at a point 45 feet from the bank of a lagoon, in water 30 feet deep, and then tried to climb upon the ice. The edge of the ice broke, increasing the diameter of the hole to six feet. David, 17, schoolboy, who was heavily clothed, walked cautiously on the ice, broke through into deep water three feet from the bank, and was briefly submerged. Treading water, he broke a passage three feet wide 42 feet with his arms and fists to Norma. Taking hold of her collar, he pulled her past him and, supporting her, swam through the passage to wadable water. Men on the bank then took Norma, who had lost consciousness. She soon regained consciousness and recovered.
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