Herman W. Downing, 16, student, saved Frank R. Clapsaddle, 17, shirt worker, from drowning, Ocean City, Maryland, June 20, 1909. Herman swam to Frank, who was struggling against the strong undertow in the Atlantic Ocean 300 feet from shore, and started to shore with him, when a large wave swept over them and broke Herman’s hold. Frank began to drift away, but Herman, although dazed and tired, again grabbed him. While struggling to keep his hold on Frank and go shoreward, the two were swept to a pier and rescued by men clinging to the piles. Herman was too weak to climb a lowered ladder, and Frank was unconscious, but both recovered.
3980-481Herman W. Downing
Salisbury, MD