Raymond G. Matson, 18, student, saved Vera G. Whyte, 15, and Priscilla Bass, 18, and attempted to save Evelyn E. Whyte, 15, from drowning, Lancaster, New Hampshire, July 21, 1916. While swimming in the Israel River, Vera got into difficulty in deep water. She struggled, called for help, and went under the surface. Matson swam 15 feet to her, took hold of her around the waist, and swam 10 feet to wadable water. In the meantime, Miss Bass went toward Evelyn, who had also got into difficulty. Evelyn came to the surface and put her arms around Miss Bass. After a struggle, Miss Bass swam toward wadable water and called to Matson. Matson swam to her and swam 15 feet with her to wadable water, where she collapsed. Matson then dived and swam along bottom in an effort to rescue Evelyn, who had disappeared. He rose to the surface and swam 25 feet to a boat, with which other boys had located Evelyn. Matson dived to the bottom and raised Evelyn to the surface. She and Matson were taken into the boat, but Evelyn was dead. Matson was exhausted. 16740-1532
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