Victor M. Ramirez

Victor M. Ramirez saved Elbert B. Campbell from drowning, Huntsville, North Carolina, May 18, 1987. Campbell, 56, fell into the rain-swollen Yadkin River, breaking his leg. As a swift current carried him downstream, he struggled toward the bank but, hampered by his injuries, quickly tired. He called for help. Alerted to the situation by Campbell’s wife, Ramirez, 27, laborer, who had been passing by, ran along the river, spotted Campbell, and entered the water for him. Ramirez waded and swam about 100 feet to Campbell, seized him, then began to swim back to the bank, pulling him. The swift current pulled them downstream. When they were near the bank, others arrived and helped to pull Campbell from the river. Campbell required hospitalization for his injuries.