Gilbert B. Heartfield saved Jessamine Hale from drowning, Beaumont, Texas, March 5, 1922. Jessamine, 17, and a young man fell from a motorboat into the Neches River 160 feet from the bank, where the water was 25 feet deep. Heartfield, 18, student, dived from the boat and swam about 20 feet to Jessamine and her companion, who were together under the surface. He brought them to the surface, but they went under again, and he was himself carried under and lost his hold. Upon coming to the surface six feet from Jessamine, he swam to her, took hold of her, and swam and was carried by the current about 100 feet to an exposed pile. Jessamine’s companion drifted to a pile and was rescued. Heartfield clung to the pile and supported Jessamine for 10 minutes before the boat, which was delayed by engine trouble, was brought to them. 22283-1744
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