Star of Courage
Awarded on: 1976-04-05
Invested on: 1976-06-28
Joseph Pelletier, S.C. (Posthumous)
Star of Courage
Joseph Pelletier lost his life after saving two girls from drowning at the Bow River near Cluny, Alberta on July 29, 1973. The girls had been swimming in the river for a period of time and were seized with panic when a strong current dragged them out into the open. Mr. Pelletier, who was on the shore, quickly responded to their cries and dove fully-clothed into the water. Upon reaching the victims, he gripped one girl and towed her ashore before returning for the other. In her excitement, the victim pulled the rescuer underwater and it became increasingly difficult for both to stay afloat. Moments later, Mr. Pelletier's brother came on the scene and swam to their aid but managed to pull only the girl to safety. Sadly, Joseph Pelletier was overcome with exhaustion and disappeared below the surface.