Robert Charles Kissman saved an unidentified man from drowning, North East, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1970. When a boat from which he had been fishing sank in a reservoir in water 15 feet deep 70 feet from a pier, an unidentified man floundered and called for help. Kissman, high-school student, 18, was among persons on the pier. He removed his jacket and shoes and swam to the man, who by then had been submerged briefly several times and was flailing wildly while choking on water he had taken in. The man went under again. Kissman brought him to the surface and then squeezed him, forcing water from him. The man tried to climb onto Kissman; and the former’s ensuing struggles caused them to be submerged several times. Kissman finally had to use force to free himself from the man underwater. They surfaced; and Kissman then supported the man until the latter got his breath and calmed. With the man holding to him, Kissman swam 40 feet toward the pier. They then were met by two men in a rowboat. The man was taken aboard; and Kissman, greatly fatigued, held to the craft as it proceeded to the pier.
51671 – 5750
51671-5750