Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: October 15, 1998
• Invested on: May 10, 1999

On July 15, 1997, Camp Counsellor Michael Hildebrand saved the life of an 11-year-old boy who had been attacked by a black bear in Algonquin Park, Ontario. The campers were sleeping when the bear slashed the boy's tent and began dragging him away. Mr. Hildebrand raced towards the boy's screams and swung at the animal's head with a paddle, forcing it to retreat. When the animal only moved some three metres away, he hit it on the head a second time. As the bear climbed a tree, Mr. Hildebrand shone a light on the animal and kept watch until another counsellor had secured the severely mauled boy and the other children into their canoes. Only then, did Mr. Hildebrand join the group and they paddled to safety.