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Mr. Walter Kenneth LeMay

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 2000-12-01
    Invested on: 2001-06-22
    On October 2, 1999, Walter Kenneth Lemay risked his life to save a suicidal woman from drowning in the Red River, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mr. Lemay was having dinner with friends when he was alerted that a distraught woman had jumped into the fast-flowing waters. Mr. Lemay ran to the river, removed his boots and, in spite of the frigid water, made his way toward the woman who was rapidly being carried downstream by the strong current and undertow. Ignoring the victim's plea not to be rescued, Mr. Lemay shouted encouragement while swimming the 150 metres separating them. Finally reaching the troubled woman, he was able to convince her to let him grab hold of her. Battling the turbulent waters while keeping the victim afloat, he then succeeded in bringing her close enough to the river bank to enable others to provide assistance.