Hubert Papelian, 22, laborer, saved David J. Dudley, 8, from drowning, Massena, New York, February 16, 1947. David broke through weak ice into water seven feet deep at a point 150 feet from the bank of the Grass River and drifted in open water farther from the ice. Papelian, who was recovering from a recurrence of malaria, ran from the bank 175 feet to within five feet of the water. Having removed his overcoat, coat, and shoes, he dived, rose, took hold of David, and towed him 20 feet to the ice. He repeatedly tried to get support on the ice, which broke at each attempt. Becoming numb, he and David drifted away from the ice. Another man who had arrived then lay on the ice and threw one end of Papelian’s overcoat to him. Papelian and David were pulled seven feet to firm ice. Both suffered from shock but recovered. 40962-3509
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