Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: July 15, 1985
• Invested on: December 06, 1985

Bruce Jacobs was driving on Manitoba's Highway 67 on April 20, 1984, when he was passed on the right by a speeding pick-up, barely under control. Just in front of him, the careening truck smashed head-on into an approaching vehicle. The driver of the truck was thrown from his vehicle, which burst into flames. Mr. Jacobs stopped his car and, ignoring the dangers, ran toward the driver, laying in a spreading pool of burning gasoline. He attempted to pull the victim from the fire several times: first, the heat drove him back; then the man's clothing tore away; then the heat and his own burning hands and face forced him back. He quickly turned his attention to the second vehicle, dangerously close to the fire. Unable to free the two survivors, he fought to prevent them from burning. Joined by another, he shielded the survivors, then fought the ground fire until help arrived. Mr. Jacobs sustained extensive burns and spend 20 days in hospital.