Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: October 29, 1996
• Invested on: June 16, 1997

On August 6, 1995, in Lanark, Ontario, twelve-year-old Michael Hawley went to the aid of his friend who had been swept over the Clyde River Dam and dropped into the whirlpool below. As soon as he realized his friend was drowning, Michael jumped over the three-meter falls into the deep pool. Fighting the rushing waters, he managed to grab hold of the boy. He struggled to keep himself and his friend afloat and he succeeded in pushing his friend out of the danger zone but was unable to follow him to safety. Michael continued to swim against the strong current until he was able to get out between the falls and the wall of the dam.