George H. Draper IV, 18, student, saved Michael A. Johns, 45, stonecutter, from drowning, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, September 7, 1964. Johns got into difficulty in rough surf in the Atlantic Ocean and was carried farther from shore. He was submerged several times, lost consciousness, and then floated face down at the surface. Draper was attracted and swam under and through high waves which at times swept him shoreward. He reached Johns 100 feet from the beach in deep water. Johns outweighed Draper by 80 pounds. A wave swept Johns on top of Draper, who moved from beneath him and then obtained a hold on him. Another wave moved them shoreward. Striving to keep from being carried onto the rocks of a nearby jetty, Draper towed Johns toward the beach with effort. They were separated and submerged briefly. By the time he had towed Johns to within 10 feet of shore, Draper was nearly exhausted. Others relieved Draper of Johns. Draper waded ashore as Johns was carried to the beach, where he revived.
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