John C. Bombardier, 15, schoolboy, saved Peter F. Catelli, 8, from drowning, Rouses Point, New York, June 7, 1953. Peter, who could not swim, was riding his bicycle on a pier that extended 375 feet from shore in Lake Champlain. When he was 125 feet from the outer end, his bicycle suddenly swerved off the pier into deep water. Peter rose floundering eight feet from the pier. John ran 50 feet to the edge of the pier opposite Peter, removed only his jacket and boots, and jumped into the water. As he tried to approach Peter from behind, Peter turned and flung his arms around John’s neck, holding him firmly. John, whose swimming was impeded, towed Peter to the pier with difficulty. Aided by another boy, he lifted Peter onto the pier and then climbed from the water. Peter was almost exhausted, and John was chilled and nervous. Both recovered. 43054-3914
43054 – 3914
43054-3914