James R. Cecil, 23, crane operator, saved Albert Smarkol, 18, student, from drowning, Martins Ferry, Ohio, July 23, 1921. Smarkol became helpless in deep water in the Ohio River 75 feet from the bank. Cecil dived from the bank, swam to Smarkol, who was 10 feet from a sunken barge, and had Smarkol take hold of his shirt. Cecil then swam with Smarkol six feet toward the barge but was unable to make further progress and sank with Smarkol. Under water Smarkol got his legs around Cecil’s neck, and Cecil after repeated efforts freed himself. They rose, and Cecil grasped Smarkol’s arm and attempted to swim, but Smarkol struggled with him. The two bobbed up and down as Cecil swam with Smarkol about 55 feet toward the bank. A railroad tie was then pushed from wadable water to Cecil, and he supported himself with one arm on it and supported Smarkol, who was unconscious, until a boat containing two men reached them. Cecil and Smarkol were taken to the bank, Cecil being in an exhausted condition. Smarkol was revived. 21655-1816
21655 – 1816
21655-1816