Star of Courage

• Awarded on: October 19, 1972
• Invested on: June 22, 1973

William Melvin Cowper Jr., S.C.
Star of Courage

On the night of October 31, 1970, William Cowper Jr., of Clarksburg, Ontario, single-handedly saved the lives of three men whose boat had capsized on Shawanaga Lake, north of Parry Sound. In response to the sound of shouts from across the lake, three men from a hunting camp went by boat to investigate and there they found three other hunters who had lost their way. All six climbed aboard for the return trip to the camp. Halfway across the lake the overloaded boat was swamped and capsized. In the ensuing two hours, three of the men drowned while the others managed to cling to the overturned boat. Growing concerned about their friends, William Cowper and another hunter set out from the camp to see what was amiss. Hearing a call for help, they located the boat drifting upside down about 75 yards from shore. Mr. Cowper stripped, waded into the freezing water and swam towards the boat. On the way he was seized with a cramp but persisted and catching hold of a rope attached to the bow, succeeded with a great effort in towing the boat and the three semi-conscious men to shore. Mr. Cowper and the other hunter then returned to the camp and brought sleeping bags and hot drinks for the men. Except for William Cowper's courage and determination, none might have survived the ordeal.