Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: August 26, 1991
• Invested on: December 13, 1991

On September 23, 1989, during a Royal Canadian Yacht Club race in Toronto, Ontario, Mr. Hansen risked his life in an attempt to rescue another participant. Mr. Hansen and his fellow crew members had heard cries for help and, upon seeing a man clinging to a life ring, they left the race to assist him. The rescue crew threw a rope towards the victim twice but he was unable to hold it, and when he began to lose his strength and submerge, Mr. Hansen dove into the frigid water, without a life jacket, and fought against high waves to reach him. Because the victim was unconscious and submerged, Mr. Hansen's efforts to pull him to safety were hindered. Another boat eventually arrived and its crew pulled the victim and Mr. Hansen out of the water. Unfortunately the victim did not survive.