Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: February 1, 1994
• Invested on: June 17, 1994

Private Brent Christopher Ashton, M.B.
Private Robert Wellington Farquhar, M.B.
Private Dino Leon Simone, M.B.
Corporal Paul Dean Sprenger, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

While off duty in Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 2, 1993, Corporal Paul Sprenger and Privates Brent Ashton, Robert Farquhar and Dino Simone, swam to the aid of a woman who was being attacked by a shark. Hearing screams from swimmers 500 metres from shore, privates Ashton and Farquhar, followed by Private Simone and Corporal Sprenger bringing an inner tube, swam out to the woman, whose leg had been torn off by a shark. Despite the danger of the blood-filled waters and the rolling surf, Private Farquhar attempted artificial respiration while the others managed to place the victim on the inner tube. Private Ashton removed his shirt, which Private Farquhar used as a tourniquet around the severed limb. The four soldiers brought the woman back to shore, continuing artificial respiration until a helicopter arrived. Unfortunately, their efforts to save the woman were not successful.