Women: The Heroine

Donna Waugh and John Gibson met last spring in the Virgin Islands. Both were 25; she, a blonde, blue-eyed Wall Street market analyst on vacation, and he, a 6-ft. Navy ensign taking underwater demolition training.

On April 21, John had the day off and went with Donna to St. Thomas' Magens Bay. As he swam 100 ft. from shore, she strolled leisurely on the beach —until she heard John scream. Around him the water frothed and reddened sickeningly; he was being attacked by a killer shark.

Without a moment's hesitation the 5 ft.4 in., 110 lb. girl ran into the surf and swam to John's side. "Get out of the water. Get out of the water," he pleaded with her, even in his agony. Donna ignored his cries, pulled him toward shore with the aid of another swimmer. The shark followed, still in a murderous frenzy.

On the beach, one arm mangled, a hip gone and his legs mutilated, John Gibson died. Donna was not with him.

She had gone for help.

Last week, for "extreme daring and heroism," Donna Waugh received the nation's highest lifesaving award—the Treasury Department's gold medal—at a brief ceremony in New York. Said she quietly: "There's no doubt that I would do the same thing if it occurred again."