William A. Crane, Jr., aged twenty-seven, telephone switchman, saved Kim L. Harris, aged seven, from drowning, Fernandina Beach, Florida, April 20, 1968. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Kim was caught by the currents and carried away from shore. She floated and, drifting seaward, called for help. Crane was attracted. Removing his shirt and shoes, he entered the light surf with two other men. By the time they had swum 300 feet, the other men were tired. They returned to shore, with Crane aiding one of them part way. Pushing an automobile tire ahead of him, Crane started toward Kim again. He was 400 feet from shore when a lifeguard swam past him but then suffered leg cramps and returned to the beach. Crane continued toward Kim and reached her 900 feet from shore. By that time he was considerably tired. Crane drew Kim onto the tire, held her there, and with difficulty proceeded 400 feet back toward shore. He then was met by a man with a buoy to which was attached a wire being held by persons on the beach. Crane and the man had started toward shore with Kim when a motorboat arrived and took her aboard. Persons on the beach pulled Crane and the other man to shore. 50285-5556
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