Michael E. Broell saved John L. Whalen, Jr., from drowning, Waterloo, Iowa, July 28, 1963. John, 13, schoolboy, who was a poor swimmer, and Michael, 14, schoolboy, decided to swim 50 feet to the bank of Cedar River from a motorboat, which the pilot halted to allow them to enter the water. The boys dived into the river, and the boat continued upstream. John surfaced in water 15 feet deep, swallowed some water, and called for help. Michael, who was swimming toward the bank, turned and swam 15 feet back to John, who had been submerged again briefly. As John flailed wildly while trying to stay above water, Michael twice submerged, took hold of his legs, and pushed him upward. Each time Michael did so, John climbed onto him and forced him downward. Michael tried to obtain a hold but was unable to do so, and John’s struggles again forced him beneath the surface briefly. Tiring rapidly, Michael shouted to those in the boat, which was 50 feet away. Michael kept John afloat despite his struggles and was fatigued by the time the craft returned to them. John was taken aboard, and Michael held to the side of the craft as it proceeded to the bank.
47143 – 4839
47143-4839