Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: September 28, 2000
• Invested on: February 02, 2001

On February 21, 1998, Robert Johnston saved a 11-year-old boy from drowning in London, Ontario. Mr. Johnston was walking his dog when he witnessed two boys fall through the ice of a pond, some 18 metres out. Closer to shore, the first boy managed to pull himself out but the other boy was unable to save himself. Without hesitation, Mr. Johnston ran the 18 metres that separated him from the young victim. When the ice began to crack, he crawled along the thin surface until he neared the hole. As he attempted to grab hold of the boy, the ice collapsed and he too fell into the freezing water. Undeterred, he grabbed the victim and, despite being completely submerged several times, managed to bring him to the edge. Unable to push him onto the breaking ice, Mr. Johnston tried to lift himself up and was successful on his fourth attempt. He was then able to haul the child out and carried him to safety.