James V. DeVone, 23, automotive electrician, helped to save Lena B. Jordan, 43, from drowning, Nutley, New Jersey, December 23, 1966. When Mrs. Jordan lost control of her automobile, it plunged into the Passaic River, where it began to sink in water 15 feet deep 30 feet from a vertical wall at the bank. Mrs. Jordan climbed out, clung to the top of the automobile, and shouted that she could not swim. A policeman jumped into the very cold water, but it caused him pain in breathing, and he was aided out by persons atop the wall. Mrs. Jordan climbed onto the top of the sinking automobile. A rope was thrown toward her but was too short. The automobile sank from beneath Mrs. Jordan, who then was supported at the surface by air trapped in her clothing and by occasional flailing of her arms. DeVone removed only his jacket and dived into the water. His heavy shoes impeded him as he swam 30 feet to Mrs. Jordan. DeVone towed her 10 feet toward the bank. She then grasped him tightly around the waist, causing them to be submerged. DeVone released his hold on Mrs. Jordan and surfaced with her clinging to him. Andrew M. Horvat removed his jacket and dived into the water. He also was impeded by his heavy shoes as he swam 20 feet to where DeVone was supporting Mrs. Jordan at the surface with difficulty. Together, DeVone and Horvat towed Mrs. Jordan to near the wall. The policeman threw the rope to DeVone, who grasped it. All were drawn to the wall and aided onto it.
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