Ermel F. Hanson, 36, housewife, saved Leslie Ann Shallenberger, 5, from drowning, Thompson Falls, Montana, February 6, 1947. Leslie Ann broke through thin ice 55 feet from the bank of the Clark Fork River into open water 15 feet deep and drifted in a current of three m.p.h. Mrs. Hanson, who two days before had been bedfast with laryngitis and sinus trouble, ran more than 500 feet to the bank and got on ice that extended 15 feet from the bank. Almost fully clothed, she was about to dive from the ice but it broke beneath her; and she fell head first into the water. Rising, she swam 55 feet to Leslie Ann, raised her to the surface, and with great effort tried to swim across the current to the bank. She made no progress but drifted 20 feet down stream. Changing her course, she swam and towed Leslie Ann, who was unconscious, 140 feet and reached the bank. She was winded and very tired and confined to bed two days. Leslie Ann was revived. 40952-3514
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40952-3514