Irene Jones saved John T. Wilcox and attempted to save B. Emory Wilcox from drowning, St. Simons Island, Georgia, June 18, 1939. While wading in the Atlantic Ocean, Miss Jones, 46, bank teller, noted the approach of an unusually large wave and took hold of John’s hand. They and John’s father, B. Emory Wilcox, 48, commander of Civilian Conservation Corps camp, who was wading nearby, were swept into water beyond their depth. Miss Jones lay on her back and swam supporting John, 6. Another large wave struck them; and John put his arms around her neck, both being submerged. Miss Jones broke the hold, and they rose. Still supporting John, Miss Jones drifted three quarters of a mile to a point 1,000 feet from shore. Noting that Wilcox was floating motionless, Miss Jones, keeping hold of John, swam 10 feet to Wilcox, took hold of his hand, and held him. Three minutes later and after Miss Jones had supported John for 25 minutes, men in a boat rescued them. Wilcox could not be revived. MissJones was exhausted. 37852-3164
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