MirreIl Martin Knabe, Jr., 11, schoolboy, saved Linda L. Baker, 5, from drowning, Ocean City, Maryland, August 22, 1952. While playing on a low pier that extended 100 feet from the bank of a creek, Linda fell into deep water. Flailing her arms, she sank and rose repeatedly. Mirrell, who was rowing a skiff 50 feet away, was attracted and dived into the water fully clothed and wearing heavy shoes. Swimming to where he last had observed Linda, Mirrell groped beneath the surface and touched her. She grasped Mirrell at the front of his shirt and almost submerged him. Forcibly freeing himself, Mirrell obtained a hold on Linda and drew her to the surface. She struggled with Mirrell, seizing his arm tightly with both hands. Mirrell swam towing her to the end of the pier and attempted to lift her out of the water but was unable to obtain a firm hold on the pier timbers, which were slippery. He continued towing Linda six feet along the side of the pier and trod water supporting her. Mirrell’s father reached the pier and lifted Linda from the water, Mirrell following. Linda was in a dazed condition and had swallowed water, and Mirrell was tired. Both recovered. 3815-42658
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