Margaret G. L. Thomas saved Allen F. Spink, and June S. Champlin, and helped to save Gertrude E. Brosnihan from drowning, Saco, Maine, August 10, 1944. While wading in rough surf in the Atlantic Ocean, Spink, 42, clerk, Mrs. Champlin, 53, Mrs. Brosnihan, 42, and Mrs. Thomas, 47, nurse, were submerged by a wave five feet high and rose in water six feet deep. Spink, keeping his eyes closed, stroked aimlessly and moved farther from shore. Observing that Mrs. Champlin’s daughter was supporting Mrs. Champlin and Mrs. Brosnihan, Mrs. Thomas swam to Spink, reaching him at a point 100 feet from shore. Taking hold of one of his feet, she turned him around and then got in front of him. Spink took hold of her shoulders, and she swam towing him toward shore. Spink’s weight caused her to dip under the surface at times. She swam with difficulty and called for help. After persons formed a chain by holding hands and waded toward her, Mrs. Thomas got behind Spink and gave him a push within reach of the others who took him to shore. Mrs. Thomas swam 10 feet to Mrs. Champlin and Mrs. Brosnihan, who had been left alone and were clasping each other under the surface. Submerging, Mrs. Thomas tried to separate them; but both grabbed her. She freed herself, rose, and called for help. Diving, she jerked Mrs. Champlin free and brought her to the surface. A man, who then was near, took Mrs. Champlin and swam a few strokes to wadable water. Mrs. Thomas again dived and brought Mrs. Brosnihan to the surface but lost her hold. A man who was an exprert swimmer then arrived and rescued Mrs. Brosnihan. Mrs. Thomas went to shore. Mrs. Champlin and Mrs. Brosnihan were unconscious but were revived. 40325-3405
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