Howard Warren Thaw saved Kristopher Z. Kozolanka from drowning, Ottawa, Ontario, April 4, 1969. Kristopher, 10, who could not swim, ventured onto an ice shelf at the bank of a creek, and then fell into the water when the ice broke. He called for help as the current moved him to a low bridge where a number of logs had accumulated. Howard, 14, schoolboy, heard Kristopher’s cries and saw him carried under the logjam. Running to the middle of the bridge, Howard then saw Kristopher appear at the surface beyond the logs. Without removing any of his clothing, Howard made a running jump from the bridge into the water four feet below, clearing the logs. He swam five feet to Kristopher, who then was in water six feet deep 15 feet from the bank. Kristopher resisted efforts to aid him until Howard struck him with his fist. Towing Kristopher 10 feet, Howard reached an ice shelf. He climbed out and then pulled Kristopher onto the ice, from where they proceeded to the bank.
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