Robert P. Borgstrom, 19, schoolboy, saved Ervin R. Cole, 17, schoolboy, from drowning, Pillager, Minnesota, May 23, 1947. Ervin fell out of a rowboat in which he, Borgstrom, and two other youths were approaching the bank of the Crow Wing River. He was briefly submerged and drifted in a strong current in cold water 12 feet deep 20 feet from the bank. Fully clothed, Borgstrom, who was the only one of the group who could swim, dived from the boat and swam 30 feet to Ervin, who faced him and flailed his arms. Ervin grasped Borgstrom around the neck with both arms and caused him to submerge. Breaking Ervin’s hold by submerging him also, Borgstrom took hold of Ervin’s clothing at the waist and rose with him, having drifted 20 feet. After Borgstrom had swum towing Ervin five feet, the boat reached them; and Borgstrom with aid supported Ervin at the stern while they were towed to the bank. Ervin suffered from shock but recovered in three days. Borgstrom was chilled and nervous. 41045-3527
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41045-3527