Harry C. Heitkamp, 33, farmer, saved Robert C. Pinkerton, 27, painter, from drowning, Venice, Ohio, June 12, 1921. As Pinkerton was swimming across the Big Miami River, he became fatigued about 87 feet from the bank, where the water was 20 feet deep, and called to Heitkamp that he could swim no farther. Heitkamp swam six feet to him, grasped him, and attempted to support him; but Pinkerton, fearing both would drown, struggled to get free, and both sank, Heitkamp losing his hold. Upon rising, Heitkamp swam to Pinkerton and again grasped him, but Pinkerton’s struggles caused them to sink again, and Heitkamp again lost his hold. He again swam to Pinkerton and took hold of him, and with great effort Heitkamp, with Pinkerton struggling to get free, swam about 34 feet with him to within six feet of wadable water. They sank again, and Heitkamp lost his hold. A young man responded to a call for help from Heitkamp and extended his hand to Heitkamp from wadable water. Heitkamp grasped it, and as Heitkamp lunged to get hold of Pinkerton, the young man was drawn into deep water. With the help of another young man who waded from the bank, the three were drawn into wadable water and to the bank. 21508-1806
21508 – 1806
21508-1806