Star of Courage

• Awarded on: May 7, 1984
• Invested on: September 07, 1984

On the morning of December 1, 1982, at considerable risk to his life, Ronald Corner rescued a woman attempting suicide in the Rivière Richelieu. While working on a boat docked at Place du Quai, Mr. Corner saw the woman floating face down some distance away, drifting with the strong current. Even though he had heavy work boots on, he jumped into the freezing waters and swam to her. Apparently determined not to be saved, she fought him, pushing his head under water. Mr. Corner remained near the woman and tried to calm her. The moment he sensed her strength was weakening, he seized her and swam with her to the ship's side aided by a rope pulled by a co-worker. Exhausted and cold, Mr. Corner struggled to climb on board holding her limp body with one arm. He had almost reached safety to support her above water until his co-workers lifted them both onto a raft and then to shore where an ambulance was waiting. Mr. Corner recovered from frostbite to his hands and feet.