James R. Bleichner, 16, schoolboy, saved James F. Lanz, sheet-metal worker, and Katherine A. Lanz, both 38, from drowning, Pittsburg, California., November 8, 1952. While Lanz, his wife, and Bleichner were fishing from a rowboat anchored in deep water in the Middle Slough of the San Joaquin River, Mrs. Lanz, who could not swim, fell into the water and drifted in a tidal current of two m.p.h. Lanz, who was fully clothed and wore heavy boots, swam to his wife but could make no progress towing her and called for help. Removing his glasses and shoes, Bleichner dived overboard, swam 60 feet from the boat, and overtook them. Both had become inert and were drifting face downward in the water. Bleichner took hold of Lanz, who was 50 pounds heavier than he, and seized Mrs. Lanz by the hair but barely could raise their heads while treading water. In his efforts to maintain his holds, Bleichner twice was submerged and rose with difficulty. Men in a motorboat and a cabin-cruiser reached Bleichner, who had been alone with Lanz and his wife for almost seven minutes and had drifted 50 feet supporting them. All were removed from the water and taken to land. Lanz and his wife were revived. Bleichner was fatigued and badly winded but recovered. 3844-42715
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