Romeo C. Martell saved John W. Pitzer from drowning, Balboa, California, August 16, 1924. Pitzer, 44, merchant, fell from a yacht into the San Pedro Channel 14 miles from shore. Martell, 30, advertising solicitor, who was fully clothed, dived from the yacht and swam 150 feet through rough water to Pitzer and supported him for 10 minutes until a man paddled a boat to them from the yacht. As Pitzer was being pulled into the boat, the boat capsized. Martell and the other man then placed Pitzer on the boat, which was upside down, and Martell and the man clung to the boat until the yacht, which was handled poorly, reached them 35 minutes later. 24581-2140
24581 – 2140
24581-2140