Edmund Raymond Loyd, 36, foreman packer, saved Esther L. Sprenkel, 48, and Nancy E. Breneman, 11, from drowning, Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1942. Nancy slipped off a submerged pier in the Susquehanna River into water seven feet deep 25 feet from the bank and drifted in a current of two m.p.h. Mrs. Sprenkel also slipped off the pier and drifted farther from it and the bank. Removing his outer clothing and shoes, Loyd waded from the bank and then swam 20 feet to Mrs. Sprenkel, who was submerged. Reaching under the surface, he pulled her up. A struggle ensued, Mrs. Sprenkel seizing Loyd with arms and legs; but he freed himself by kicking violently. Holding Mrs. Sprenkel at arm’s length and calling for a boat, he paddled as they drifted 10 feet to Nancy, who took hold of Mrs. Sprenkel’s dress. Loyd supported both for three or four minutes until a motorboat reached them. Mrs. Sprenkel and Nancy were pulled into the boat, and Loyd held to it until wadable water was reached. 40137-3366
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