Carl E. Benson, 14, school-boy, attempted to save John C. Davey, 14, school-boy, from drowning, Anita, Iowa, March 3, 1936. Davey fell from a bridge into water 10 feet deep in Turkey Creek 25 feet from the bank, and he drifted among scattered ice-cakes in a current of two m.p.h. Benson, who was fully clothed and wore boots, dived from the bank and swam toward Davey, at times striking ice-cakes with his arms. Reaching Davey after swimming 20 feet, he took hold of Davey's shoulders. Davey threw one arm around Benson's neck, and both were submerged. Under water Benson pushed his knee against Davey's stomach and pulled Davey's arm from around his neck, and they rose 15 feet apart. Benson swam toward Davey, but Davey sank before Benson could reach him. Davey was drowned. Swimming with the current and angling toward the bank, Benson reached the bank after swimming 60 feet.
(c)
1996-2006 Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
Site designed by Mullen.
Last Updated: 10/5/2006.
Home
