Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: May 16, 1996
• Invested on: December 06, 1996

Kelly Kramil, M.B.
Ronda Sparkes, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On November 30, 1993, Ms. Kramil and Ms. Sparkes went to the aid of three people caught in a strong Pacific Ocean undercurrent at a resort in Manzanillo, Mexico. As soon as the two women realized that the swimmers were in trouble, they grabbed a life ring and jumped into the ocean, in spite of the rough waters. They swam out to the two closest victims, one of whom told them to go after the third, a woman who was being swept farther out. Ms. Kramil and Ms. Sparkes managed to reach her and to keep her afloat with the help of the life ring. As they began to fight the current in order to return to shore, a rescue boat arrived and brought the exhausted group back to shore, where they received first aid.