Mary Patsy Smalling, 19, saved Jack L. Wyatt, 20, hosiery mill drier, from drowning, Bluff City, Tennessee, June 23, 1948. While swimming in the South Fork Holston River, Wyatt became distressed in water nine feet deep 120 feet from the bank and called for help. Miss Smalling, who had just swum across the river and was somewhat winded, swam 150 feet to him. Wyatt, who was heavier than she, grasped her shoulder; but she pushed him beneath the surface, and he released her. She made a surface dive, grasped him by the hair, and raised him. Supporting Wyatt, who had become unconscious she trod water and feeling tired called for aid. Two minutes later, after they had drifted 10 feet, a youth and a man propelled a rowboat without oars to them. Wyatt was picked up, and Miss Smalling swam unaided to the bank. Wyatt was revived. Miss Smalling, who was winded and weak suffered from shock and was nervous for three weeks.
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