Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: August 24, 1972
• Invested on: June 08, 1973

Thomas Douglas Fletcher, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

While holidaying at West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Thomas Douglas Fletcher of Toronto was on the beach on April 20, 1968 when a young boy was attacked by sharks. Mr. Fletcher, along with the boy's father, rushed to the child's aid. With upwards of four sharks in the vicinity, Mr. Fletcher grasped the child who had been severely bitten, clamped his arms securely over the boy's bleeding arm and helped bring him to shore on a surfboard while others who had arrived on the scene made efforts to divert the attention of the sharks. On reaching the shore, Mr. Fletcher, assisted by another man, quickly applied first aid and succeeded in stopping the bleeding until the child could get medical attention. Mr. Fletcher who was in an entirely unfamiliar environment exposed himself unhesitatingly to grave danger and his prompt administration of first aid was a factor of no small importance in saving the boy's life.