Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: September 8, 1995
• Invested on: May 17, 1996

On June 22, 1992, at Toronto, Ontario, Mr. Semple lost his life while trying to save three people from an attack. Hearing cries for help, he ran outside and saw three men throwing rocks and bricks at a man, woman and child. The woman was lying in the street, clutching her head. Mr. Semple and other bystanders tried to chase the attackers away, but were forced to retreat. He tried again and the men ran off, but they returned moments later with a baseball bat and sticks. They chased Mr. Semple and, after he led them away from the others, they cornered him and knocked him down with the bat. As he tried to protect himself, the attackers repeatedly kicked, punched and hit him. One of the men stabbed Mr. Semple in the back with a large kitchen knife. The three attackers were eventually arrested. Unfortunately, Mr. Semple did not survive.