Francis Redfern Young helped to save Derwood A. Elliott from drowning, Elkton, Oregon, April 6, 1970. When his boat capsized in the Umpqua River, Elliott, 67, retired millworker, clung to the drifting craft until its anchor caught in water 18 feet deep 125 feet from the bank. He then climbed onto the overturned boat and called for help. Young, 28, forester, removed most of his attire, entered the cold water, and swam to the craft, where Elliott had slid partly back into the water. Then, and from time to time thereafter when Elliott slipped from his position, Young boosted him onto the boat. Obtaining a life jacket from beneath the craft, Young put it on Elliott; and he also submerged and released the boat’s motor so the craft would ride higher in the water. Young was cold and tired by the time another boat arrived and took him and Elliott to shore.
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