William J. Simpson, Jr., helped to save Michael R. Silvis from drowning, East Brady, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1977. While attempting to swim across the Allegheny River, Silvis, 18, found he could not make it and called for help from William, 14, high-school student, who was swimming ahead of him. William swam to Silvis and gave him support as they drifted downstream about 200 feet from the bank; but Silvis caused William to be submerged briefly a number of times. On other occasions when Silvis went under, William brought him back to the surface. William tired and called for assistance from persons on the bank. A youth arrived in a rowboat and took Silvis and William to safety.
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