David L. Hartshorn, Jr., helped to save Donald Niedhammer from drowning, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, December 28, 1971. While swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, Niedhammer, 36, shop foreman, attempted to return to shore but encountered a strong undercurrent. He played out and, only semiconscious, drifted seaward. Hartshorn, 19, college student, was alerted to the situation and swam to Niedhammer, reaching him 390 feet from shore in water 10 feet deep. Towing Niedhammer, who outweighed him, against the undercurrent caused Hartshorn to tire. Two young men with an air mattress swam to Hartshorn and Niedhammer, reaching them 100 feet from shore. By then Hartshorn was nearly exhausted; but with the help of the other young man, Niedhammer was taken to shore. He revived.
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