Star of Courage

• Awarded on: August 11, 1975
• Invested on: September 22, 1975

Lester Laverne Palmer, S.C., Stratford, Ontario
Star of Courage
Roger James Burnett, M.B., Stratford, Ontario
James Alan Easson, M.B., Stratford, Ontario
Medal of Bravery

Through the efforts of Lester Palmer, James Easson and Roger Burnett, a nine-year-old child was saved from drowning at Lake Victoria in Stratford, on March 6, 1974. When he observed two small children break through the ice, Lester Palmer inched his way along the frozen surface to the edge in order to reach the victims. The rescuer succeeded in pulling the girl from the water but the surface gave way when he attempted to lift the boy. Unflinching at the imminent danger, Mr. Palmer attempted to hold the children against the edge but lost his grip of the boy who disappeared below the surface and was drowned. Meanwhile, James Easson and Roger Burnett dragged a canoe onto the ice and broke through in several instances but braved the freezing conditions to assist the rescuer. A considerable length of time had elapsed when Mr. Easson finally lifted Mr. Palmer and the unconscious girl into the boat. As a result of her rescuers' courage and determination, the child survived the ordeal.