Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1973-07-03
Invested on: 1973-08-02
William J. Haig, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
William Haig braved the icy waters of the Rideau River on December 5, 1969 to rescue a three-year-old child. The child had walked unobserved out onto the surface of the frozen river. Some distance from shore the boy fell through the ice. When word of the child's plight spread, William Haig responded. Extending a ladder out onto the ice to support his weight he cautiously approached the open water but the ice gave way beneath the rescuer. Mr. Haig swam to the boy and supported him until another man arrived in a rowboat. With the help of several persons gathered on shore the boy and his rescuer were brought to safety.