Louie C. Womack, 37, industrial plant fire marshal, saved Harry L. Pate, 10, from drowning, Pontiac, Michigan, December 17, 1944. Harry and his 12 year-old brother broke through ice on Terry Lake at the edge of open water which extended 30 feet from the bank. Harry held to an ice cake, where the water was 12 feet deep. His brother swam to the bank. Womack ran to the bank and, partly clothed, waded through deep silt and water for 10 feet and swam toward Harry. Becoming tired and doubting he could save Harry, he reached him after swimming 18 feet. Towing Harry, who then had become semiconscious, Womack swam back to wadable water and walked to the bank. Harry lapsed into unconsciousness but was revived. 40351-3443
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40351-3443