Howard B. Allard, Jr., 17, school-boy, saved M. Lucile Spencer and Mattie S. Ricks, 21 and 27, respectively, from drowning, Chesapeake Beach, Virginia, August 22, 1938. While wading in Chesapeake Bay, Miss Spencer and her sister Mrs. Ricks stepped into water nine feet deep 225 feet from shore. Mrs. Ricks was submerged and became unconscious, and Miss Spencer held to her shoulder-strap and splashed. Allard, who was somewhat winded from running, waded from shore and then swam 175 feet, of which 150 feet was in deep water, to Miss Spencer. Miss Spencer lunged toward him, her hand grazing his neck; and then he took hold of her wrist, and shoved her onto her back. Allard swam a stroke or two towing Miss Spencer and then noted Mrs. Ricks, to whom Miss Spencer held. Swimming and drifting 200 feet, Allard towed the women to wadable water. Mrs. Ricks was carried to shore and was revived. A young man reached Allard; and he and Allard aided Miss Spencer, who was semiconscious, to shore. She was revived. Allard was winded and nervous.
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