Paul Dayton Bliss, 14, schoolboy, saved Merrill S. Johnson, 16, student, from drowning, Corning, Iowa, May 4, 1918. Merrill lost his hold on a log by means of which he was supporting himself in the East Nodaway River and sank where the water was eight feet deep. He was submerged several times, and Paul swam about 27 feet to him. As Paul reached for him, Merrill grasped him around the neck with one arm and wrapped his legs around Paul’s body, causing both to be submerged. Merrill released Paul under water, and when they rose, Paul put his arm around Merrill and attempted to swim toward the bank. They sank under the surface several times, but Paul succeeded in swimming with Merrill 25 feet to a tree trunk which extended over the water. He and Merrill grasped it and were then aided by other boys. 18991-1650
18991 – 1650
18991-1650