Porter H. Watson, III

Porter H. Watson III saved Douglas A. Walker from drowning, Neskowin, Oregon, August 12, 1983. While wading in the Pacific Ocean, Douglas, 13, was swept out into deep water by a strong undertow and was unable to swim to shore. Attracted by cries for help from persons on the beach, Watson.38, carpenter, ran into the ocean and swam to Douglas. He calmed Douglas, obtained a hold on him, and began to swim toward shore. Against the current, Watson made slow and difficult progress until, at a point at which he was nearly exhausted, his feet touched a submerged sandbar. With the aid of his brother, who had waded out on the sandbar, Watson took Douglas to shore. Douglas was taken to a hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia. He recovered.