Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1997-04-03
Invested on: 1997-12-05
While vacationing with his wife in the Dominican Republic on February 14, 1996, Gérald Hébert lost his life trying to prevent a woman from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean at La Verena de Nision Beach. Three friends were playing in the surf in shallow water when a powerful wave suddenly picked them up and carried them some 30 metres out to sea. The trio was struggling to keep afloat in the rough twisting waters when one woman experienced greater difficulty and screamed for help. Mr. Hébert managed to reach her side and spoke reassuringly to her, encouraging her to get ready for the next wave. When it struck, he pushed her towards shore with the swell. Tragically, Mr. Hébert sank below the surface and attempts to rescue him were unsuccessful.