William E. Douglas saved Jacob Galinsky from drowning, Richmond, California, March 27, 1967. When the motorboat in which he was riding in San Pablo Bay was struck a glancing blow by a larger craft, Galinsky, 56, fireman, was knocked overboard into cold water 40 feet deep about one mile from shore. As a strong current carried Galinsky away from the motorboat, the engine of which then was inoperative, a life ring was thrown toward him but fell short. Galinsky, hampered by his attire and affected by the cold water, had difficulty remaining afloat and called for help. Douglas, 39, fireman, one of three other men aboard the motorboat, dived into the water without delaying to remove any of his clothing. He swam 20 feet to the life ring and, although impeded by his attire, swam 30 feet farther to Galinsky, who by then was very cold and weak. Douglas used the life ring to keep Galinsky afloat but, because of the current and the effects of the cold water, could not swim back to the motorboat. The larger craft, which meanwhile had made a wide turn, stopped near them and threw a line to Douglas, who tied it around Galinsky’s waist. Both men were taken aboard the larger craft, which then towed the motorboat to shore. 49896-5383
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