Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: October 19, 1972
• Invested on: November 30, 1973

Paul Mraz, M.B. (posthumous)
Medal of Bravery

A 14-year-old youth, Paul Mraz of London, Ontario, lost his life while attempting to save an 11-year-old boy from drowning in the Thames River near London, Ontario. On May 9, 1970, three boys were playing on a raft built of metal drums about 20 feet from shore when the raft capsized. Two of the lads were able to swim to shore but the third boy remained struggling in the water. Hearing the boy's cries for help, Paul Mraz, without regard for his own safety, waded in and swam about 150 feet to aid the victim. The younger boy clutched his would-be rescuer and the incident ended tragically as the two boys were carried along by the current and both were drowned.