Star of Courage

• Awarded on: June 25, 1984
• Invested on: November 09, 1984

John Semeniuk, S.C.
Ora Daisy Semeniuk, S.C.
Star of Courage

In Dryden, Ontario, the combined efforts of Ora Semeniuk and her husband, John, saved a man from a fire which destroyed his home in the early hours of 9 January 1983. Mrs. Semeniuk was awakened by a neighbour who stated that her husband was still inside their burning house, located across the street. She hurried over, entered and found her father in his second-floor bedroom, unaware of the seriousness of the fire. Both collapsed at the bottom of the stairs near the entrance, overcome by thick smoke. On hearing their moans, Mr. Semeniuk went inside, located the man and dragged him to safety, but he could not find his wife. As flames came out of the doorway, Mr. Semeniuk made a second unsuccessful attempt. Then two others tried in turn to rescue Mrs. Semeniuk but were forced back by dense smoke and heat. Courageously, Mr. Semeniuk entered a third time, crawled on his hands and knees, found his unconscious wife and pulled her to safety. The fire caused the windows to blow out moments later. Mrs. Semeniuk sustained very severe burns but her life was spared.