Reginald B. Beaty saved John David Norsworthy from drowning, Angleton, Texas, September 2, 1963. Attempting to reach a drifting boat, John David, 14, schoolboy, who was a poor swimmer, entered a bayou fully clothed and swam to a point about 40 feet from the bank. In water 10 feet deep he floundered and called for help as he alternately sank and rose. His father, also a poor swimmer, went to his aid without removing his heavy boots. After John David grasped him around the neck and twice forced him under water, the father broke free and, gasping for breath, swam almost to the bank. While another boy aided the father, Reginald, 13, schoolboy, dived from his boat and swam 25 feet to where John David was floating just beneath the surface. He reached under water and grasped John David, who outweighed him by 65 pounds. When he drew him to the surface, John David began flailing wildly. With difficulty Reginald towed John David, who continued to struggle, 35 feet to the boat. John David held to the craft while Reginald moved it to the bank by kicking.
47581 – 4884
47581-4884