Richard J. Lewis, Sr., helped to save Richard P. Jackson and his wife, Barbara E. Jackson from drowning, Washington, D.C., September 18, 1968. An automobile containing the Jacksons, neither of whom could swim, plunged into the Anacostia River and began to sink in the muddy water. Only the trunk was visible when Jackson, 32, porter, appeared at the surface and then sank as his wife, 23, from underwater grasped his legs and pulled him down. Lewis, 32, computer specialist, who had noted the situation, swam to where Jackson had gone under in deep water 40 feet from the bank. Lewis reached underwater, located Jackson, and drew him to the surface. Mrs. Jackson then climbed onto the back of her husband, who struggled with Lewis. John Eisenbarth, arriving in a police car, noted the struggle and saw the three persons go under. He entered the water fully clothed and swam to 40 feet from the bank. Lewis, who had freed himself from Jackson, then surfaced. Unable to see the Jacksons in the muddy water, Lewis and Eisenbarth submerged. Lewis surfaced holding Jackson, and Eisenbarth appeared holding Mrs. Jackson, who still clung to her husband. The Jacksons held to each other as Lewis and Eisenbarth with some difficulty towed them 25 feet. By means of a rope thrown to them, Lewis and Eisenbarth, supporting the Jacksons, were drawn to the bank. All then were aided from the water.
50448 – 5635
50448-5635