Shain E. Baitary saved Kenneth N. Knight from drowning, Charleston, South Carolina, June 13, 1931. In darkness, Knight, 31, butcher, in a sedan automobile drove off the edge of a wharf and dropped into water 10 feet deep in the Cooper River. The automobile finally rested upright on the bottom of the river, its front end 10 feet from the wharf. Baitary, 46, ferry company manager who was almost fully clothed, saw the headlights in the water, and he dived and swam a few strokes to the automobile. With his left foot on the running board, he jerked open a door, leaned inside with his head and shoulders, grasped Knight, and pulled him out of the door. Knight grabbed at Baitary’s head and shoulders, and Baitary struck him and then toppled backward with Knight on him. Baitary retained his hold and rose to the surface. Knight then grabbed blindly at Baitary, and Baitary struck him again, Knight becoming unconscious. Baitary towed him and swam eight to 10 feet to a ferry boat. Baitary and two other men pulled Knight on board, and Knight was soon revived. 31260-2648
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