Ronald Blaine Hyder saved Glenda S. Steelman from drowning, Mt. Vernon, Oregon, June 23, 1961. In the John Day River, the current carried Glenda, 11, into water beyond her depth, where she was submerged briefly and then screamed for help. Ronald, 11, schoolboy, was in the water nearby with five younger boys, none of whom was a good swimmer. Swimming 20 feet through a somewhat turbulent area where currents converged, Ronald reached Glenda in water seven feet deep 15 feet from the bank and took hold of her. Glenda was flailing wildly, and one of her arms repeatedly struck Ronald in the face and on the head. They were submerged briefly twice but Ronald maintained his hold on her. Pushing Glenda ahead of him, Ronald swam as hard as he could toward the bank. The current forced him slightly downstream as he moved Glenda to within seven feet of the bank. Both obtained footing and reached the bank.
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