Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: December 16, 2004
• Invested on: June 24, 2005

John D. Rodger, M.B.
Second Lieutenant Larry William Smith, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On May 18, 2003, John Rodger and 2Lt Larry Smith averted a tragedy and helped in the arrest of three heavily armed members of a violent gang following the Rodgers' home invasion in Toronto, Ontario. 2Lt Smith and his family were at the Rodgers' house when three thugs forced their way inside and divided the seven occupants into two groups. In one room, the attackers kicked their victims, stabbing one and hitting another with a bottle while trying to bind them with duct tape. Mr. Rodger was slashed as he tried to restrain one knife-wielding attacker. Meanwhile, in the other room, despite having a gun pointed at his head, 2Lt Smith seized the opportunity of the commotion next door to make noise and create the impression that police were arriving, causing the aggressors to flee. 2Lt Smith and Mr. Rodger then gave chase to the fugitives, following them into a subway station and aiding in their capture by police.