Star of Courage

• Awarded on: March 16, 1981
• Invested on: June 19, 1981

Sylvain Fillion, then aged 22, drowned after rescuing his four-year-old niece at Lake Saint-Germain, Québec on August 13 1978. A group, including Sylvain and his niece, were on a raft when the youngster fell into the water. Sylvain, though an inexperienced swimmer with no life-saving training, jumped at once to her assistance, held her head above the surface during several minutes although he had much difficulty staying afloat. He was finally able to push the child into her father's arms when the latter came to their assistance. Unfortunately by then, Sylvain, exhausted by his efforts, went under and drowned.