Star of Courage
Awarded on: 1986-06-30
Invested on: 1986-12-05
Early Christmas, 1984, fire ravaged the Cabral home in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec. Wakened by the smoke, José Cabral and his wife rushed to their daughter's bedroom on the upper floor. Suffocating smoke quickly overcame Mrs. Cabral and the baby who both lost consciousness just as they reached a window. Mr. Cabral picked up his wife, pushed her through the window and let her slide down the front of the house; although critically injured, she survived the ordeal. He then seized his daughter and threw her into a snow bank below; both victims were lent assistance by witnesses. Despite the intense heat, Mr. Cabral attempted to reach his young son in an adjoining room, but the fury of the fire prevented the rescue. Mr. Cabral was overcome by the smoke and he and his son perished.