Parker Edward Stratt rescued Gerry S. Gustafson from an alligator attack and drowning, Coral Gables, Florida, September 16, 1951. While Gerry, 10, scooped minnows from the water with her hands from a ledge which projected from the bank of a pond, an alligator eight feet long and weighing 180 pounds appeared at the surface, seized her arm in its jaws and pulled her into deep water three feet from the bank. Gerry lost consciousness as the alligator maintained a tight hold with its teeth and repeatedly rolled her about in the water. Descending to the ledge, Parker, 10, schoolboy, extended an arm toward Gerry. The alligator ceased its twisting movements and releasing its grip on Gerry disappeared beneath the surface. Gerry revived, and Parker drew her to the ledge. As he did so, the alligator suddenly emerged four feet from them. Parker aided Gerry quickly from the water and thence to the top of the bank. Gerry sustained a multiple fracture and deep lacerations of the arm but recovered. 42432-3766
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