W. Donald Norris, 17, schoolboy, saved Wayne R. Simpson, 14, schoolboy, from drowning, Reed Creek, Georgia, April 7, 1957. While Simpson and Norris were swimming in the Tugaloo River, they were caught by the strong current 60 feet from the nearest bank, where Simpson was submerged briefly several times in water eight feet deep. Norris swam 15 feet against the current to Simpson, who grasped Norris about the neck and submerged him briefly twice. After Simpson released his hold, Norris attempted to take him to the bank. Unable to do so, Norris supported Simpson as they were carried downstream by the current. Norris nearly was exhausted as they approached a bend in the river, which was more than 300 feet wide. The current had carried them nearer the opposite bank, and Norris observed that farther downstream a limb of a tree extended from the bank 18 inches above the water. Having supported him for approximately 4,000 feet, Norris released Simpson and swam ahead of him 15 feet to the limb. He grasped it 12 feet from the bank and held it so that Simpson, aided by the current, was able to reach it. Norris then assisted Simpson in making his way along the limb and onto the bank. Both Norris and Simpson were fatigued and cold but recovered. 44099-4136
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