Ralph L. Jones, 32, electrician, saved Mary F. Jones, 17, from drowning, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, September 27, 1942. A motorboat, in which Mary, Lois J. Bench, Jones, and Gordon F. Brandt were riding on the Neosho River, overturned in water eight feet deep 100 feet from the bank. There was a current of five m.p.h., caused by the unexpected opening of dam gates. Jones swam six feet and took hold of Mary and Mrs. Bench, the women took hold of him, and he was submerged briefly. Brandt then swam to Mrs. Bench, who released Jones and struggled with Brandt. Brandt swam; and together they drifted 350 feet to a point 40 feet from the bank, where a man relieved Brandt of Mrs. Bench and took her to the bank. Meanwhile Mary lost hold of Jones, who took hold of her. He tried to swim toward the boat but became fatigued; and then he swam and drifted in the current, angling toward the bank. Mary threw her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around his waist. They struggled violently; and Jones with great effort broke Mary’s hold. Jones was so greatly fatigued that he was almost incapable of exertion. When he had swum and drifted towing Mary 400 feet, he got hold of a bush at the bank. Mary, who was unconscious, and Jones were pulled onto the bank. Mary revived. Jones was unable to stand up for a half an hour and was ill and off work for 10 days. 39817-3306
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