Vernon L. Listman, 17, Merchant Marine fireman, rescued James W. Hollin, Jr., 3, from exposure in a well, Whitneys Landing, Maryland, March 12, 1946. James fell into a well, which was dug through sandy soil and was 40 feet deep. He lodged 22 feet below the surface in a doubled-up position, his head and feet extending upward. For four feet from the top the well was two feet square and cribbed. Thence down for 18 feet it was cylindrical, 14 inches in diameter, and unlined. Thence to the bottom it was eight inches in diameter. Listman, who was slight in build, was lowered head first by means of a line fastened to his waist and ankles. His shoulders and hips scraped the sides, and he could see nothing. Fifteen feet below the top be became dizzy and in need of air and was pulled out. Two minutes later he again was lowered, wriggling past uneven places, and reached James. He tried to pull James free, became dizzy, and was pulled out. After a brief rest he again was lowered, got hold of James’s ankles and wrists, and both were pulled out slowly. James was uninjured. Listman suffered from headache for several hours and minor cuts and abrasions. 40664-3485
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