Francis A. Proffitt, 15, schoolboy, saved G. Martin Coulson, Jr., 11, Robert W. Dick, 12, and J. Edward Coulson, 7, from drowning, Pontiac, Michigan, March 3, 1945. Martin broke through thin ice on Terry Lake into water 13 feet deep 25 feet from the bank making a hole four feet in diameter. From firm ice Robert, who could swim, ran and kneeled on the edge of the ice, extended his hand to Martin, but did not get hold of him. The ice broke under him, and he made no further attempt to aid. Both Martin and Robert tried to climb onto the ice, but the edge broke. Francis ran 375 feet to the bank at a point 35 feet from Martin. Meanwhile Edward broke through the ice near the others. More ice broke to open water, which extended to the bank. Francis, having removed his shirt, waded, and then swam 20 feet to Martin. Towing Martin, he swam 20 feet to wadable water; and Martin was aided to the bank by another boy. Francis then swam out and towed Robert to wadable water. He then swam 25 feet to Edward and pushed him ahead of himself as he swam toward the bank. Edward put his arms around Francis’s neck, and Francis with difficulty swam to wadable water and waded to the bank, having become fatigued. 40395-3448
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