The time was January 28, 1885, and a snow storm was lashing
the Maine coast. Marcus A. Hanna was keeper of the Cape Elizabeth
Light Station. The schooner Australia smashed onto the ledge
near the light station's fog signal. By the time Keeper Hanna
reached the edge of the shore, a huge wave had swept the captain
overboard and only two of the ship's hands remained, both clinging
for their lives to the icy rigging. After a long and exhausting
struggle, he was able to get these men ashore to safety.
For his heroism, the government, six months later, awarded him a gold medal.

[This message has been edited by Randy Kremer (edited 01-29-2002).]