David V. Hovda saved James B. Grahn from drowning, Roseau, Minnesota, August 19, 1966. James, 12, clad in swimming trunks, was walking on the spillway of a dam in the Roseau River when he lost his footing and fell into an area of turbulent water 10 feet deep below the spillway. He tried to swim out of the turbulence but was unable to do so and was submerged briefly, swallowing some water. He called for help as he flailed wildly. David, 14, schoolboy, who was on the riverbank with two other boys, removed his shirt and shoes and waded into the water. He swam about 25 feet diagonally across the current to James, who still was in the turbulent area and again had been submerged briefly. David took hold of James, who struggled but did not cause them to go under. After calming James, David moved him farther away from the spillway by kicking strongly. Holding James with one arm, David moved him out of the turbulence and to within five feet of the bank, where the other boys met them and aided them the rest of the way. 49951-5470
49951 – 5470
49951-5470