William G. S. Sherman, Jr., 14, schoolboy, saved Colleen M. Phillips, 14, schoolgirl, from drowning, Harlansburg, Pennsylvania, June 15, 1957. While swimming in a creek, Miss Phillips got into difficulty in water seven and a half feet deep 40 feet from the bank and twice was submerged briefly. William, the only other person then in the water, swam 40 feet to Miss Phillips and tried to calm her as she tried to remain afloat. Miss Phillips clutched at William, striking him on the head and throwing one arm around his neck. After breaking her hold by submerging briefly, William took hold of Miss Phillips, who flailed her arms wildly and broke free of his grasp. As Miss Phillips started to sink, William grasped her by the hair and, holding her head above water, attempted to tow her toward the bank. Miss Phillips again struggled, striking William in the face and causing him to be submerged briefly. Maintaining his hold, William towed Miss Phillips 35 feet across the current to 10 feet from the bank, where she again began to struggle, causing both to be submerged briefly. William trod water and supported Miss Phillips until a young man swam to them and took her to the bank. Miss Phillips was somewhat dazed and nearly exhausted. William was tired and winded. Both recovered. 44149-4137
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