Medal of Bravery

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

Jean-François Lemay, M.B.
Jean-Jacques Plante, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On August 27, 1979, Jean-François Lemay and Jean-Jacques Plante rescued a 15-year-old teenager from drowning in the Rivière des Prairies, in the Province of Quebec. The victim had been sitting on a bridge when he lost his balance and fell into the river. Messrs. Lemay and Plante hearing his cries for help, rushed to his aid. Mr. Lemay jumped into the water and reached the boy as he was being swept by the strong currents some 60 metres from shore. Mr. Plante joined them and the two rescuers supported the victim as they headed towards the bank. The rushing waters made progress extremely slow and arduous. Mr. Lemay then swam ahead to shore to seek help. Meanwhile, Mr. Plante continued his struggle, losing hold of the youngster and each time retrieving him until they both reached safety.