Donald H. Ross, 43, truck mechanic, saved Michael A. Finnessey, 14, schoolboy, from drowning, Great Falls, Montana, July 30, 1957. While swimming in the Missouri River with another boy, Michael suffered an abdominal cramp and was submerged briefly, swallowing water. He attempted to take hold of his companion, who became alarmed and returned to the bank for help as the strong current carried Michael into water 26 feet deep. Ross was attracted and ran 100 feet to the river, where he removed his shirt and trousers but did not delay further to unlace his high work shoes. He entered the water and swam 200 feet to Michael, who was floundering wildly at midstream. Ross extended his hand to Micahel, who seized it and attempted to climb onto Ross, causing both to be submerged briefly. Micahel maintained his grasp, and Ross briefly re-submerged, forcing him to release his hold. Ross then supported Micahel from behind and told him to tread water. Because of his heavy shoes Ross felt he could not tow Michael across the current to the bank. He remained alongside Michael for almost 10 minutes and supported him from time to time as both drifted 150 feet downstream. Two firemen, who had been summoned then reached them in a motorboat and took them to the bank. Both Michael and Ross were tired and winded. They recovered. 44216-4149
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