Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: August 31, 1993
• Invested on: December 06, 1993

Robert Reginald Fraser, M.B.
Michael John Smith, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On August 4, 1989, Messrs. Fraser and Smith saved a young boy from drowning in Lake Erie at Port Burwell Provincial Park, Ontario. After seeing him caught in the undertow and struggling in the rough waters, Mr. Fraser swam out and took the boy upon his shoulders. Pulled farther and farther from shore by the undertow, and knocked over repeatedly by the waves, the two became separated. Others tried to help but they, too, became victims of the undertow. Fortunately, Mr. Smith, himself almost overcome, successfully battled the undertow and brought the boy to safety, while Mr. Fraser, greatly weakened, was able to make his own way back.