John E. Martin, 35, broker, saved Alfred E. Stewart, 29, corporal U. S. Army, from drowning, Radium Springs, New Mexico, August 13, 1950. An automobile in which Stewart and three other soldiers were riding plunged from a highway into the Rio Grande River and sank in an overturned position 20 feet from the bank in deep water. Stewart lost consciousness in the rear seat. The other soldiers escaped through a door and swam to the bank. Alighting from his automobile, Martin ran to the bank. Fully clothed, he swam 45 feet to the sedan and repeatedly submerged himself at one of the rear doors but was unable to open it. Visibility beneath the surface was poor. Swimming around the rear of the automobile, Martin submerged himself at the other rear door and opened it. He groped inside and found Stewart, who was inert. Locking his legs around Stewart’s chest, Martin drew him from the sedan. He surfaced with Stewart and towed him to the bank. Stewart was revived. Martin was extremely tired but recovered. 42148-3727
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42128-3727