Douglas J. Raymond, 49, truck driver, saved Gertrude L. Sanders, 13, from drowning, Alplaus, New York, August 14, 1945. While wading off an island in the Mohawk River, Gertrude stepped into water 17 feet deep and drifted 15 feet from the island. Raymond, who suffered from a heart disorder and had been warned by his physician against over exertion, rowed and paddled his boat 850 feet to the island and ran 150 feet to a point opposite Gertrude. Although he had not swum for years and was fully clothed, he dived, rose near Gertrude, and took hold of her. She grasped him, pinning his arms; and they were submerged. Forcibly freeing himself, he swam and towed her toward the island. She tried to grasp him again, and they were twice submerged. Raymond then held her at arm’s length and swam to the island. He was almost exhausted, and Gertrude was very weak. Both recovered. 40541-3467
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