Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: February 19, 2004
• Invested on: February 04, 2005

On August 12, 2002, 22-year-old Nadia Vracotas rescued five people from drowning in Corfu, Greece. Ms. Vracotas was at the beach with friends when she heard cries for help, far from shore. She immediately swam through the rough waves and rescued a man and a woman, bringing them back to shore one at a time. She then re-entered the choppy waters, reached two other victims who had also been carried out by the stormy seas and, despite weakening strength, managed to tow each of them back to safety. Although exhausted by her efforts, Ms. Vracotas found the stamina to jump back in when she was alerted that another man was in difficulty. Once again, she fought the strong undertow and reached the unconscious man's side. Struggling to keep his head above the surface, she was able to tow him towards shallow waters, where others had come to help.