Robert H. Heap, Jr., helped to save Anthony C. Plescia from drowning, Slidell, Louisiana, June 7, 1970. Fire broke out on a twin-engine craft about 50 feet from the banks of a bayou, inflicting burns on everyone aboard. The other passengers jumped into the water; but Plescia, 59, wholesale grocer, called for help because he could not swim. Heap, 18, laborer, jumped from another boat and swam to the burning craft despite being warned of a possible explosion. By then Plescia had jumped into the water and was struggling with another young man who had tried to aid him. Heap swam to them and pulled Plescia away. Plescia struggled with Heap, causing them to be submerged briefly. Heap and the other young man then towed Plescia to a patrol boat.
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