Walter Wiegand helped to save Delia M. Cormier from drowning, Noelville, Ontario, August 17, 1962. Mrs. Cormier, 55, who could not swim, slipped on the steep bank of the French River and fell into the water, where her efforts to stay afloat moved her farther from the bank. Wiegand, 16, schoolboy, ran 125 feet and entered the water fully clothed, including heavy boots. He reached Mrs. Cormier 25 feet from the bank in deep water and took hold of her. She seized his arm and continued floundering as Wiegand towed her 10 feet toward the bank. Greatly fatigued, he stopped and trod water. Mrs. Cormier attempted to climb onto him, forcing him under. He lost consciousness and remained submerged. David Charlton Ross was attracted and ran 150 feet to the bank. After removing his jacket and shoes, Ross entered the water and swam to Mrs. Cormier, who had begun to sink. Ross took hold of her and, although impeded by her floundering, towed her 15 feet to the bank. Learning that Wiegand was under water, Ross swam to where he last had been seen. He dived twice and found him eight feet below the surface. Ross brought Wiegand to the surface and towed him 15 feet to the bank, where he revived him.
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