William C. Kershner, 27, sawmill hand, attempted to save William L. Barnett, 25, chauffeur, from drowning, Palestine, West Virginia, February 8, 1917. Barnett broke through the ice on Muddy Creek, 75 feet from the bank, where the water was eight feet deep. Kershner went toward him with a board but broke through the ice 18 feet from him. He then discarded the board, swam to Barnett, took him to the edge of the ice, and supported him at the surface. Men approached and threw the end of a 30-foot rope to Kershner, and Kershner tried to attach it to Barnett but failed because he was numb. The men then got the end of a board under Kershner, and he wrapped the rope around his back. He was then pulled out with the aid of the board and rope, but he lost his hold on Barnett, and Barnett sank and was drowned. Kershner was unable to stand up alone and was disabled four days, but he recovered. 17671-1352
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