Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrad, Newfoundland and Labrador
Decorations for Bravery
Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1999-06-10
Invested on: 2000-06-26
On July 13, 1997, Daniel Montague rescued a young man from drowning in Happy Valley, Goose Bay, Labrador. Mr. Montague was playing badminton on the beach when he heard distress cries from three young men who had attempted to swim in the fast-flowing Churchill River. Although aware that the numbing water and strong current had forced others to abandon their rescue efforts, Mr. Montague did not hesitate to jump in and swim to one victim who was struggling to stay afloat some 15 metres out. Despite the panicked state of the young man, he managed to grab hold of him and to fight the powerful current that carried them downstream until they reached the safety of the shore. A second young man was able to reach the shore on his own but, tragically, the third victim, a 16- year-old teenager, drowned.