Gary L. Snable, 17, schoolboy, helped to save Audrey A. Chapin, 19, from drowning, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, December 27, 1953. At night while skating on a pond, Miss Chapin broke through ice into deep water 75 feet from the bank and alternately sank and rose in a hole five feet in diameter. Visibility was poor. Attracted by Miss Chapin’s calls, Gary skated rapidly to eight feet from the hole, slid prone to the edge of the ice, and swung himself into the water, his momentum carrying him to where Miss Chapin last had submerged. Groping, Gary got hold of her and raised her head above water. He towed Miss Chapin to the edge of the ice, which broke off in small fragments as Gary repeatedly tried to lift Miss Chapin from the water, the hole being enlarged. After Gary with difficulty had trod water supporting Miss Chapin for more than a minute, a youth crawled near the hole with another youth holding his ankles. He took hold of Miss Chapin’s wrists as Gary again raised her; and they removed her from the hole, additional ice breaking off. Miss Chapin was aided to safe ice, and the youths drew Gary out of the water, the ice sagging slightly but remaining intact. Miss Chapin was suffering from shock and exposure. Gary was chilled. Both recovered. 43043-3912
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