Marshall L. Bennett, Jr., saved Timothy R. Van0chten from drowning, Bay City, Michigan, March 6, 1970. A sedan containing Timothy, 13, his two sisters, and two adults plunged into the Saginaw River and drifted to 100 feet from the bank. The adults drowned when the vehicle sank; but the three children had reached the surface and were calling for help. Timothy managed to swim in the cold water to within 30 feet of the bank but then lost consciousness and floated face down in water seven feet deep. Bennett, 19, college student, was on the bank. Although he never had swum, Bennett entered the water to try to aid Timothy. He had no difficulty keeping his head above the surface as, moving his legs in a treading motion, he managed to propel himself to Timothy. He took hold of Timothy, turned, and by the same treading motion towed Timothy to the bank. Others aided them from the water. Timothy revived; and he and Bennett recovered from effects of the cold water. One of Timothy’s sisters was saved but the other drowned.
51406 – 5778
51406-5778