Harvey Levi, July 1997

Anchorage Daily News
Friday, June 12, 1998
STATE NEWS

Rescuer to get posthumous honor

KODIAK -- A 23-year-old Kalskag man who died while rescuing a boy from the frigid Kuskokwim River will be honored posthumously with the Coast Guard's Gold Lifesaving Medal. Harvey Levi was cited for "extreme and heroic" daring after he entered the raging river in July to retrieve 13-year-old Frank Rayfield, who lost his footing on a sandbar. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Terry Cross of Juneau presented the award Thursday in Kalskag. Frank was swept downstream in strong currents and Levi called to others to try reaching the boy in a boat. Authorities said Levi then jumped into the water to reach Frank, who could not swim. A Coast Guard citation says Levi managed to hold the boy's head above water for at least five minutes until the boat arrived. Rescuers reached in for Frank and then turned to Levi, who slipped under the surface. His body was recovered within 10 minutes, investigators said. Flora Howard and Anna Littlefish, who were in the boat, will receive the Coast Guard's public service commendation. The Golden Lifesaving Medal is awarded to heroes who rescue, or attempt to rescue, another person from drowning or shipwreck, among other perils.