Virginia May Fairbank saved Fred J. Gardner from drowning, Frenchtown, Montana, May 11, 1952. Fred, 13, schoolboy, who could not swim, entered the Clark Fork River on horseback and attempted to ride his horse swimming to an island 70 feet from the bank. The horse reared violently in deep water 20 feet from the bank and unseated and kicked Fred, who was submerged briefly and drifted in a current of one m.p.h. Virginia, 16, schoolgirl, who could swim only 10 feet, was mounted bareback on her horse at the bank of the island. Urging her horse into the water, Virginia rode to within three feet of Fred, who had drifted free of his horse and was flailing his arms to stay afloat. Holding with one hand to the reins and the mane of her horse, she leaned sideward, her body extending horizontal to the water, and took hold of Fred’s hand. She leaned backward in a twisted position towing Fred as the horse swam to wadable water 10 feet from the island. Virginia dismounted and aided Fred onto the island. Fred’s horse drifted downstream and was drowned. Virginia and Fred reached the riverbank on her horse by fording the river farther upstream. Fred had a severe hip bruise that healed. Virginia experienced muscular soreness for a week. 42573-3767
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