Medal of Bravery

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

On February 25, 2000, Richard Paterson lost his life while attempting to save three young Mexican sisters caught in a strong Pacific Ocean undercurrent in Manzanillo, Mexico. Mr. Paterson was on vacation with his wife at the resort when he heard cries for help. In spite of the heavy surf, he swam to the closest girl and was able to bring the 11-year-old back to the water's edge. He then returned into the rough waters to rescue the other girls who were being swept farther out, and managed to bring them closer to shore. While others completed the rescue with the help of a rope and a flotation device, Mr. Paterson attempted to fight his way back to shore but succumbed to exhaustion and disappeared under the surface. His body was quickly recovered but, regrettably, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.