Star of Courage

• Awarded on: December 1, 1975
• Invested on: February 16, 1976

Thomas Patrick Sylvester, S.C., Christian Island, near Penetanguishene, Ontario
Star of Courage

Thomas Sylvester, at great risk to his life, attempted to save a man who had fallen through the ice on the Georgian Bay at Christian Island, near Penetanguishene, Ontario, on January 20, 1974. A resident of the island, Mr. Sylvester, together with two other men, towed an aluminum skiff onto the bay to effect the rescue. When a few yards out, Mr. Sylvester fell waist-deep into the freezing water, but ventured on, nonetheless, with the boat while the others returned ashore. Braving the blowing wind and sub-zero temperature, the rescuer found the man almost totally immersed in the water and, with some difficulty, lifted the inert body into the craft. As he prepared to head back, however, Mr. Sylvester, once again, plunged through the thin surface and was completely soaked. His determination undaunted, he raised himself into the boat and made an effort to gain more headway, but unfortunately, broke one of the paddles. By now, the weather had greatly deteriorated and the rescuer could not return to shore. Turning his attention to the victim, Mr. Sylvester attempted to keep him alive but the victim succumbed to the effects of the extreme cold. Mr. Sylvester, himself, could only be rescued three hours later and by then he had suffered gravely from frost bite and exposure.