Dorothy D. Webster

Dorothy D. Webster saved John Kadel from drowning, Ormond Beach, Florida, February 27, 1944. While floating in the Atlantic Ocean in swells 175 feet from shore, Kadel, 54, lawyer, and his wife drifted farther from shore. They then tried to swim toward shore, only Kadel making slight progress. They then drifted in a strong undercurrent to water 18 feet deep 400 feet from shore. Miss Webster, 18, student, waded from shore and swam 280 feet to a point close to Kadel, who extended a hand toward her. Keeping beyond his reach, she swam behind him. She warned him not to grasp her and spoke reassuringly. Meanwhile a man, who was an excellent swimmer, swam to Mrs. Kadel and rescued her. At Miss Webster’s instruction Kadel turned on his back, and she took hold of him across the chest and beneath his chin and swam 290 feet to wadable water. Tired from her long swim, she asked Kadel whether he could wade; but he could not stand. Supporting Kadel, she waded 70 feet farther; and men then carried Kadel to shore, where he collapsed but later recovered. 40136-3387