Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: March 25, 1998
• Invested on: September 18, 1998

Wayne Graham Dennis, M.B.
William James Paroschy, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

While vacationing in St. Kitts on March 8, 1997, Wayne Dennis and William Paroschy saved three American citizens from drowning. Seeing that two young boys were being carried towards the open sea by a strong undertow, Mr. Dennis swam 15 metres out to them, battling two-metre waves. As he grabbed hold of the panicked children, they pushed him underwater. Mr. Dennis managed to calm them and began swimming with both boys on his back. While struggling towards shore, he was met by the boys' grandfather who was also trying to save them, and pushed the smaller child to him. He then threw the older boy into a wave to be taken in by the current but the attempt failed and he picked him up again. As they progressed towards shore, the grandfather grew weak and passed the younger child back to Mr. Dennis. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Mr. Paroschy ignored the dangers and started swimming to Mr. Dennis' aid. Mr. Paroschy took the smaller child from Mr. Dennis, brought him back to shore, then returned for the other boy. Once the children were safe on the beach, Mr. Paroschy re-joined Mr. Dennis and together, they rescued the grandfather who was totally exhausted.