Stephen A. Adamec, Sr.,saved Arthur D. Chaudoin from drowning, Chattanooga, Tennessee, June 27, 1968. When he suffered leg cramps while swimming in a lake, Chaudoin, 19, attempted to swim to the bank but played out and began submerging intermittently. Adamec, 38, electrical engineering trainee, was attracted. He ran 500 feet to the bank opposite Chaudoin and entered the water without delaying to remove his leather boots. Adamec’s legs tired rapidly as he swam to where Chaudoin then was floating face down in water about 30 feet deep, 175 feet from the nearest bank. Treading water with effort, Adamec lifted Chaudoin’s head above the surface. Chaudoin then grasped the hand of Adamec, who broke free. Holding Chaudoin’s head up with one band, Adamec moved him 10 feet toward the bank. After being submerged briefly, Adamec then thrust Chaudoin ahead, swam to him, and gave him another push toward the bank. Each thrust required increased effort, and Adamec occasionally dipped beneath the surface. By the time he had moved Chaudoin to within 20 feet of the bank, Adamec was greatly fatigued. His wife then waded to him. She relieved Adamec of Chaudoin, took him to the bank, and began artificial respiration. Adamec reached the bank and collapsed, gasping for breath and near exhaustion. A rescue squad arrived and removed both men to a hospital for treatment. They recovered overnight. 50307-5468
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50307-5468