Brian K. Lambdin helped to save Denise K. Croy from drowning, Portage, Michigan, December 20, 1969. At an ice-covered lake, Denise, 14, was 150 feet from the bank when she broke through into water 12 feet deep. Unable to climb out, she clung to the edge of the hole and called for help. Brian, 12, schoolboy, two younger boys, and a 13 year-old girl were in the immediate vicinity and started toward the hole. When he heard the ice cracking, Brian told the others to stay back; and he crawled to near the hole. Taking hold of Denise, who outweighed him, by her arms, Brian tried in vain to pull her out. He then called to the other girl to help him. She cautiously moved to alongside Brian and took hold of Denise. Together, they pulled Denise out of the water and away from the hole. Meanwhile a lengthy crack had appeared in the ice between them and the bank. Adults were attracted. Brian and one of the younger boys reached the bank unaided; the adults assisted Denise and the others by means of a rope.
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