Star of Courage

• Awarded on: December 1, 1975
• Invested on: June 23, 1978

Abraham Bernard Starr, S.C., Pic Mission Indian Reserve near Heron Bay, Ontario
Star of Courage

On May 3, 1973 when fire broke out in his neighbour's home, Abraham Starr went to the rescue of a three-year-old girl and her younger brother and sister who were trapped in the building. Arriving on the scene, Mr. Starr opened the kitchen door and was confronted by a wall of smoke. Undeterred, he re-entered and closed the door behind him. Crouching down on his hands and knees, he crawled across the full breadth of the residence and located two of the youngsters in their bedroom, surrounded by flames. Fire to the children's hair and clothes was extinguished and together they crept back to safety. Advised then of the location of the third victim, Mr. Starr twice attempted to reach the baby but was forced to retreat in the face of tremendous heat and flames. Seconds later, fire engulfed the wood-frame structure and sadly, the youngest child could not be saved.