William H. Potter, Jr.

William H. Potter, Jr., 17, schoolboy, saved James I. Williams, 35, aircraft mechanic, from drowning, Melrose, Florida, August 18, 1964. Williams was thrown into Lake Lily from his 15-foot outboard motorboat, which then moved in a 30 foot circle at about 27 miles an hour and struck him twice, inflicting severe injuries. Williams moved to inside the orbit of the boat as it circled about 300 feet from shore and shouted for help. Potter kicked off his shoes and ran to the end of a dock extending 60 feet from shore. He dived into the water and swam toward Williams, who sank but reappeared outside the boat’s circle. After a total swim of 350 feet, Potter reached Williams in water 20 feet deep and took hold of him. While Potter supported Williams, the runaway craft circled within 10 feet of them, still moving at full speed. A speedboat approached; and its operator, fearing the circling boat might change course at any time, stopped 20 feet from Potter and Williams. He threw a life preserver to Potter, who used it to help support Williams while towing him to the speedboat. The man took William and Potter to shore. Williams was hospitalized and recovered.