Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: May 13, 1983
• Invested on: September 09, 1983

Without the slightest regard for his life, twenty-two-year-old Mario Bolduc saved his neighbour, aged 73, from drowning on 27 April 1982. While dumping sand in the Bécancour River, the trailer hitched to a tractor driven by the man slipped over the edge of the river, dragging in the tractor. Due to spring flooding the river was at its highest and the current very strong; the man, a non-swimmer, was soon drifting downstream. Mr. Bolduc heard cries for help and dived fully clothed in the river. He found the elderly man below surface, grabbed him by his sweater and struggled to keep him afloat. The swift current carried them some distance, and although both were drawn under many times, Mr. Bolduc maintained his grip. In spite of the cold water which almost paralysed his limbs, the rescuer persisted, finally succeeding in reaching shore and safety.