Brave Naval Air Reservist Saves Girl from Attack

Mar. 8, 1965 - “There were six men standing near one end of the subway platform. They just stood there. They didn’t go to the girl’s aid.”

As they watched, according to a witness who did try to help, a gang of Negro teenagers attacked a 15-year-old white girl in Philadelphia’s Broad Street Subway and dragged her, screaming and struggling, down the tracks. The youths had ripped the girl’s clothing and were shouting they were going to rape her.

James R. George (pictured), 23-year-old Naval Air Reservist from Atlanta, Ga., said today he was savagely beaten Saturday night as he tried to help the girl. He finally managed to break away and summon a policeman from the street above, he said.

The police arrested eight boys for the attack on the girl, charged them with assault with intent to ravish, indecent assault, robbery, larceny, receiving stolen goods, and assault and battery.

Today, seven of the boys were sent to correctional institutions, and the eighth was placed on probation. Judge Juanita Kidd Stout described the attack as savage and said it warranted swift punishment.

Mr. George said the incident occurred as he was returning to the nearby Willow Grove Naval Air Station Saturday night after visiting Philadelphia’s places of historical interest.

Today, his right eye was swollen, and his left eye was puffed and discolored.

The girl, whose identity was not disclosed, is from Almonessen, N.J. She had come to Philadelphia to babysit for relatives.

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