Sterling W. Sill, 56, inspector of insurance agencies, helped to save George A. Redding, 13, from drowning, Hollywood, Florida, January 21, 1959. When breakers in the Atlantic Ocean swept him off a sand bar into water beyond his depth 120 feet from shore, George called for help. Sill swam 40 feet to George, who placed both arms about his neck and swung onto his back. After being submerged several times, Sill attempted to tow George toward shore but made no appreciable headway against the current. At times submerged by breakers three to four feet high, Sill took in much water and steadily weakened. Robert E. Mitchell, Jr., who was in the surf in skin diving attire, swam 100 feet to George and Sill. George lunged toward Mitchell, who held him off. Mitchell then told George to take hold of the neck of his rubber shirt, which he did. Although George drew himself partly onto his back and impeded his movements, Mitchell swam 75 feet toward shore as breakers surged over him. Already fatigued, he obtained footing and waded to the beach with George. Sill, who had been unable to swim against the current and was being carried farther from shore, then called for help. Mitchell waded into the surf and then swam 105 feet to him. Breakers surged over Mitchell, and he experienced acute chest tightness as he towed Sill, who then was inert, 75 feet to wadable water, from where another man aided him in taking Sill ashore. Sill was hospitalized three days for congestion in one lung and recovered. 44942-4345
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