With relief bust of Andrew Carnegie on the front with the words: "Carnegie Hero Fund Established April 15th 1904". Verso with "Awarded to Jesse E. Patterson, who attempted to save Minerva S. Carsey and others from drowning, Athens Ohio, March 14, 1907". The flood in Athens (and elsewhere in Southern Ohio) of March 12-14 swept away homes, stranded hundreds, and killed fifteen. According to the Carnegie Hero Fund account, "Jesse E. Patterson, 30, photographer, attempted to save Minerva M. Carsey, 40, and nine others from drowning, Athens, Ohio, March 14, 1907. In a small boat, Patterson rowed out in the floodwaters of the Hocking River, the current being 10 m.p.h., to some trees into which the people had climbed from a floating house. As he grasped a branch, his boat filled with water and was carried away with Patterson standing in it. He grasped the branches of another tree and drew himself up as his boat struck its trunk and broke in two. He and the others were later rescued." In original leather presentation case with "Carnegie Medal" embossed to front and with fitted green velvet interior. J. E. Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia. Since the award was established in 1904, a total of 617 silver medals have been awarded. Medal approx. 3" diameter, 179 grams. Case approx. 4 1/2" x 4 1/2".