Simon F. Minsenberger, 66, machinist, saved Robert W. and J. Laurence Gleason, 7 and 9, respectively, from drowning, Belvidere, New Jersey, December 4, 1938. Robert and Laurence broke through ice on a pond into water 10 feet deep 50 feet from the bank. They held to the ice in a hole six feet long. Rotten ice extended 20 feet toward the bank, and deep water extended to within six feet of the bank. Minsenberger, who was a poor swimmer and was weak from a recent heart attack, walked from the bank toward the boys carrying a board 42 inches long. Six feet from Robert, he broke through the ice, dropped the board, and was submerged to his nose. He got on ice that extended to Robert and placed the board under his abdomen and legs. With his head and chest extending over the hole, he pulled Robert upon the ice; and Robert then ran to the bank. Minsenberger with the board beneath him shifted four feet on the ice and pulled Laurence out. Laurence crawled a few feet and ran to the bank. Minsenberger edged backward a few feet on the board, crawled a little farther, and slowly walked to the bank. He was weak and gasping.
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