Joseph T. Holland

Joseph T. Holland, 19, clerk, attempted to save Hazel M. Murray, 19, from drowning, Erie, Pennsylvania, August 21, 1912. Miss Murray was swimming in Lake Erie, 60 feet from the shore, where the water was over six feet deep. She became distressed and called for help. Holland, who was on the beach and had just recovered from a cramp in his leg, immediately waded and swam to her. She grabbed the back of his bathing suit and forced his head beneath the surface. Miss Murray became unconscious but retained her hold on Holland, who managed to get his head to the surface often enough to keep from strangling. Two men swam out to them, and as they approached, Miss Murray’s grasp relaxed and she went beneath the surface. Holland was able to swim to shore but was nearly exhausted. Miss Murray was taken to shore by the others and was revived.