Star of Courage
Awarded on: 1984-05-07
Invested on: 1984-07-09
On 26 November 1982, William Harry Dyck risked his life three times to rescue two co-workers who had been exposed to natural gas in an underground vault. One man had collapsed inside the vault in his attempt to save a co-worker. Responding to an emergency call, Mr. Dyck rushed to the scene and, though advised not to, climbed down the ladder. Fully exposed to the lethal effect of leaking gas, he turned off the valve then quickly returned to the exit for fresh air. Without the protection of a breathing apparatus, despite the imminent danger of inhaling fumes lingering inside the enclosed area, Mr. Dyck climbed down a second time. Holding his breath, he carried the unconscious man up the ladder. On reaching the exit Mr. Dyck applied artificial respiration until the man regained consciousness. Tired and breathless, yet concerned for the life of the other victim, Mr. Dyck lowered himself a third time. With the assistance of another man, he removed the second victim and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Regrettably, the man could not be revived.