M. Omega Whitehead saved Ruth M. I. Sims and helped to save Hebron C. Sims from drowning, Odell, Texas, May 23, 1932. Omega, 14, schoolgirl, pushed her young sister and Ruth, 11, from the bank of Wanderers Creek into deep water in the Creek, after being told by Hebron, 17, schoolboy, that the water was not deep. Hebron, who was swimming and knew the water was deep, swam to his sister with the thought that Omega would save her sister. Ruth grabbed him around the neck, Omega’s sister grasped Ruth by the arm, and Hebron was momentarily submerged. Omega, who was recovering from a slight illness, removed her dress and shoes, dived from the bank, swam to her sister and pulled her from the others. She then swam towing her 11 feet through deep water to the bank. Omega swam to Hebron and Ruth, who were struggling together, pulled Ruth’s arm from Hebron’s neck, and towed her to the bank. She then swam toward Hebron, who was submerged, dived and brought him to the surface, and supported him as she swam toward the bank. Hebron, who was dazed and weak, kicked her in the stomach, causing her to release her hold on him. He went under the surface three feet from the bank. Omega’s father then arrived and dived to him. He brought Hebron, who was unconscious, to the surface, and he and Omega towed Hebron to the bank. Hebron was revived.
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