Star of Courage

• Awarded on: November 5, 1979
• Invested on: June 13, 1980

John Taylor rescued his neighbour from a fire which destroyed his home on 6 June 1978. Dense smoke had already prevented two other men from getting into the house when Mr. Taylor heard the commotion and investigated. Risking asphyxiation he went in on hands and knees and found the victim on the hall floor. Seizing the heavy man, he strained to drag him out but could get him no further than the kitchen. By this time police had arrived and persuaded Mr. Taylor to leave the burning house. But when others could not rescue the victim, he once more braved the smoke and brought his unconscious neighbour out.