James E. Spruill, 21, apprentice printer, saved Josephine R. Cox, 40, from drowning, Williamston, North Carolina, July 24, 1956. While driving her automobile at a parking area on a bank of the Roanoke River, Mrs. Cox lost consciousness and the vehicle plunged into the water, moving to 60 feet from the bank before it headed downstream and began to drift parallel to the bank in water 25 feet deep. Spruill, whose parents had apprised him of the accident, ran 375 feet to the bank opposite the vehicle and dived into the river. He swam rapidly to the automobile and, unable to open the door, held to it and extended his head and shoulders through the open window. He grasped the arm of Mrs. Cox and had partially removed her from the automobile when it suddenly began to sink. The inrush of water forced Mrs. Cox back into the vehicle, but Spruill maintained his hold and was carried beneath the surface, where he pulled Mrs. Cox through the window just as the automobile rolled onto its left side. Tired and short of breath, Spruill made his way to the surface with Mrs. Cox farther downstream 50 feet from the bank. He had been submerged more than 30 seconds. He towed Mrs. Cox 40 feet, where his father met them in a rowboat and aided them in reaching the bank. Mrs. Cox, who still was unconscious, was hospitalized for 10 days. Spruill was tired and nervous. Both recovered. 43932-4093
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