Source: The Washington Times (Washington [D.C.]), December 2, 1936

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In 1936, a stray German Shepherd who lived near the St. Louis Levee in Missouri, was hailed a hero after rescuing a 60-year-old man from drowning in the Missouri River. 

It is unknown exactly how the man found himself in need of rescue. What is known is that upon noticing the elderly man's plight, the dog plunged into the cold waters and pulled him to the riverbank. The dog then shook his water-soaked coat, wagged his tail, and nonchalantly sauntered off. Hours later, the heroic canine was located.

The rescued man's name was Ernest Gustafson, who after a brief stay at the City Hospital, appeared to be unscathed by his nearly fatal experience. Later, the hero who didn't even have a name, returned to the docks of a barge line company where employees gave him breakfast as a reward for his bravery.