Richard Lee Payne saved James E. Stewart from drowning, East Liverpool, Ohio, November 3, 1969. Payne, 21, steelworker, heard Stewart, 39, assistant office supervisor, call for help as he floated slowly downstream in the Ohio River. Air trapped in his attire kept him at the surface, but he earlier had sustained injuries which prevented him from swimming. Payne removed his shoes and entered the cold water. He waded and swam to Stewart, reaching him 125 feet from the bank in water 30 feet deep. Stewart attempted to grasp Payne but desisted when warned to remain calm. Payne took hold of Stewart, who outweighed him by 45 pounds, and towed him 100 feet to wadable water. By that time Payne was cold, winded, and fatigued. Firemen then arrived and aided in taking Stewart to the bank. He recovered after being hospitalized.
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