Harry A. Oiler, Jr., 23, roofer, saved Cheryl A. Busch, 19, from drowning, Marietta, Ohio, December 30, 1965. Miss Busch lost control of her four-door sedan, which plunged down a bank into the Muskingum River. As the vehicle drifted downstream and the front end began to sink, Miss Busch climbed into the rear seat compartment. Oiler ran to the bank. Hearing Miss Busch shouting for help, Oiler removed his shoes and jacket and entered the cold water. He swam diagonally across the current and reached the drifting sedan 30 feet from the bank in water 20 feet deep. The front end then was submerged, and the water was at the bottom of the rear windows. Unable to open the rear door, Oiler told Miss Busch to lower the window, which she did. She extended her head, arms, and shoulders through the opening. Grasping Miss Busch, Oiler braced his feet against the side of the automobile and pulled on her. He could feel the sedan tilting toward him as he drew Miss Busch from it. They were submerged briefly. By a hold on her arm, Oiler towed Miss Busch to within seven feet of the bank, where he found footing. Another man waded into the water and aided Oiler in taking Miss Busch to the bank.
48545 – 5134
48545-5134