Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1987-08-04
Invested on: 1987-09-25
Late in the afternoon of May 3, 1986, Michel Gendron rescued his uncle from drowning in Lake Rogers at Low, Quebec. The uncle and another man had set out to do some fishing in a 3.5 metres aluminum boat. Approximately 25 metres from shore, the boat capsized, submerging both men. The other man, wearing a life-jacket, clung to the boat and was eventually picked up by neighbours in a canoe. The uncle, however, with no life-jacket on, decided to swim to shore for help. After swimming some 15 metres in the icy water, he succumbed to exhaustion and lost consciousness. Meanwhile, having heard cries for help and seeing the upturned boat and his uncle's face in the water, Mr. Gendron dove in and swam out to the drowning man. He removed the heavy coat which had floated up to cover the man's head, turned him onto his back and began swimming back with him. Near shore, the exhausted rescuer had to be assisted by three witnesses who helped to pull the victim from the water.