Donald M. Thomas saved Victor A. Buffalo from drowning, Kenosha, Wisconsin, April 13, 1952. A canoe in which Buffalo, 24, automobile assembler, was riding in the floodwaters of the Pike River capsized in very cold water 12 feet deep 175 feet from the bank. Buffalo, a poor swimmer who was heavily clothed, drifted holding to the canoe in a current of 2 m.p.h. A man who was a strong swimmer entered the floodwaters and swam 700 feet downstream in an effort to overtake Buffalo but could not reach him and returned to the bank. Near the entrance to a flooded lagoon, Buffalo lost his hold on the canoe; and it was swept beyond his reach. Thomas, 26, telephone lineman, was attracted and alighting from an automobile near the bank of the lagoon sighted Buffalo, who had drifted 1,200 feet and was treading water feebly to stay afloat. Disrobing to his underwear, Thomas ran 200 feet and plunged into the water. He swam 12 feet in deep water toward Buffalo but became badly numbed and was unable to control his movements fully. Thomas returned to wadable water and rested briefly as Buffalo was carried farther downstream. Wading 100 feet along the submerged bank, Thomas reentered the deep water and swam 60 feet to Buffalo. As he obtained a hold on Buffalo, Thomas again was affected by the cold water but with great effort towed Buffalo 75 feet to wadable water, where they were aided by others. Buffalo suffered from exposure, and Thomas was badly chilled and fatigued. Both recovered. 42606-3799
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