Gordon A. Pettipas, 43, truck driver, saved Judith D. Burgen, 22, from drowning, Boston, Massachusetts, July 14, 1967. Miss Burgen, who could not swim, walked on a bridge over the Charles River to 1,000 feet from the river, where she climbed over the guardrail and dropped 18 feet into the water below. Among persons attracted was Pattipas, who saw Miss Burgen floating face down in the river. Removing his boots, Pettipas vaulted over the guardrail into the waters which was 18 feet deep, and was submerged to the bottom. He surfaced 20 feet from Miss Burgen and swam to her. She roused and lashed out; striking him. Pettipas moved beyond her reach. Miss Burgen then became inert but did not sink. Taking hold of her by the hair, Pettipas towed her eight feet to where the end of a rope had been lowered by persons on the bridge. He tied the rope to Miss Burgen, who revived. Feeling tired, Pettipas called to those on the bridge to get help. By the time a motorboat arrived, Pettipas was fatigued and was supporting himself by holding to the rope which still was tied around Miss Burgen. She and Pettipas were taken to the bank.
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