Gary James John saved Richard A. Thomas from drowning, Tanacross, Alaska, December 14, 1972. While walking on ice covering the Tanana River, Richard, 8, broke through into deep water and was submerged briefly. A non-swimmer, he tried to climb out; but the ice broke off and enlarged the hole. Gary, 12, who also could not swim, crawled to near the hole and extended his hands. Richard grasped the wrists of Gary, who then pulled him out of the water as he wriggled backwards on the ice. Gary and Richard crawled away from the hole, got to their feet, and ran to the bank. 53138-6006
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