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Mr. Gaétan Léon Joseph Jolicoeur

D'Alembert, Quebec

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 1994-09-08
    Invested on: 1994-09-08
    On June 4, 1993, north of the village of D'Alembert, Quebec, Mr. Jolicoeur freed a man from a burning truck. When he arrived at the scene of the accident, he heard screams coming from inside the overturned truck. Unable to reach the doors, Mr. Jolicoeur and another passer-by removed the cap and broke the back window. Mr. Jolicoeur reached half-way into the smoke-filled cab, but could not extricate the trapped victim before the smoke forced him to retreat. He tried again, but had to let go because an armrest hindered his efforts. In spite of the flames, heavy smoke and admonishments from onlookers, he made a third attempt. Mr. Jolicoeur kicked away the armrest and managed to pull the victim from the vehicle, which exploded moments later.