John David McRae, 13, schooIboy, died attempting to save Norman E. Vrba, 12, schoolboy, from drowning, Midway, Texas, April 22, 1946. Norman fell from the bank into a pool in Pepper Creek and rose 12 feet from the bank, where the water was eight feet deep. Fully clothed, John dived from the bank at the end of the pool and swam 15 feet to Norman, who faced him and flailed his arms. Norman grasped him, and a violent struggle ensued. Another boy dived from the opposite bank, swam 25 feet to them, but gave no aid and left when Norman with one hand tried to grab him. He swam to wadable water and then extended a fishpole to John and Norman, who continued to struggle. John freed himself, grasped the pole, and was pulled toward the bank. Within eight feet of the bank he looked back and saw that Norman was submerged. He released his hold and swam four feet back to Norman. Submerging, he took hold of Norman and pulled him to the surface. The pole was extended to them, but neither took hold of it, and both were drowned. 40666-3472
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