James Robert Thompson, 26, cable former, saved Shirley J. Holder, 15, from drowning, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, May 19, 1957. While wading 30 feet from shore, Miss Holder lost her footing in the rough surf and was carried by an undertow toward deep water, where the waves were at least six feet high. Thompson was attracted and ran 1,000 feet to the shoreline, where he undressed to his underwear. As be waded into the surf and began swimming toward Miss Holder, two other men also entered the water but returned to shore because of the rough surf. With some difficulty Thompson swam 800 feet and reached Miss Holder in water 15 feet deep. She reached toward him, but he thrust her hand aside. He calmed her and then towed her 225 feet toward shore, where a 10-foot wave submerged him. He lost his hold on her and was turned over twice by the waves, swallowing considerable water. Thompson swam back to Miss Holder, who lost consciousness and began to sink. Tiring rapidly, he grasped her hair and again towed her toward the beach as others attempted to launch a boat, which was swamped close to shore. After a total swim of 725 feet with Miss Holder, Thompson reached two men 40 feet from shore. They carried Miss Holder to the beach as Thompson followed with difficulty. Miss Holder was hospitalized and then recuperated at home. Thompson was greatly fatigued. Both recovered. 44134-4130
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