Elizabeth L. Eymer saved Virginia R. Cook from drowning, Oscoda, Michigan, March 13, 1961. Virginia, 5, who could not swim fell on an ice shelf extending 12 feet from the bank of a bayou and slid down its sloping surface into open water six feet deep. As Virginia struggled without success to get back onto the ice, a playmate ran to the nearest dwelling and informed Mrs. Eymer, 45, homemaker. She ran 100 feet and started to descend a steep bank but fell and slid to the bottom as Virginia lost her hold and was submerged briefly. Mrs. Eymer walked five feet on the ice and then crawled five feet farther toward Virginia, who was choking from having swallowed water. Two feet from the edge of the ice, Mrs. Eymer lay prone and extended her arms. Cautioning Virginia not to struggle, she drew her onto the ice and then began to crawl backward. A section of ice two feet wide and four feet long then gave way beneath Virginia, and she was submerged in deeper water. Mrs. Eymer, retaining her hold, was pulled into the water and submerged briefly. She then drew Virginia to the surface and towed her three feet to the edge of the ice. After using her fist to break the ice a foot toward the bank, Mrs. Eymer obtained insecure footing and lifted Virginia onto the shelf. A man who had arrived then walked cautiously on the ice to within two feet of Virginia, drew her to him, and took her to the bank. Mrs. Eymer, her legs becoming numb, attempted in vain to climb out of the water. The man returned and aided Mrs. Eymer onto the ice from where they made their way to the bank.
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