John M. Lawler saved Deanna L. Herber from drowning, Rochester, Minnesota, October 10, 1969. When Deanna, 8, fell from a footbridge over the Zumbro River, she was submerged briefly in the muddy water and then called for help. John, 15, high school student, climbed onto the bridge guardrail and jumped into the river 12 feet below. He was submerged briefly and then swam to behind Deanna, who had drifted under the bridge and was coughing from water she had swallowed. In water nine feet deep, Deanna turned to John, threw her arms around his neck, and attempted to climb onto him. John calmed her and told her to get on his back. She did so. Feeling the effects of the cold water and tiring from the weight of Deanna, John swam with her about 40 feet to the bank.
51363 – 5708
51363-5708