Star of Courage

• Awarded on: August 11, 1975
• Invested on: September 22, 1975

Byron John Campbell, S.C. (Posthumous), Port Alberni, B.C.
William S. Metcalf, S.C., Port Alberni, B.C.
Star of Courage

Byron Campbell was drowned while attempting to rescue two men whose canoe capsized in the turbulent waters of the Stamp River at Port Alberni, B.C. on May 4, 1974. Mr. Campbell and his neighbour, William Metcalf, heard the victims' cries for help and investigated. With complete disregard for their own safety, the men plunged into the river in pursuit of the canoeists but were swept away by the rapids and tossed through whirlpools. They struggled to swim against the forces of the water but their strength was quickly exhausted. Another local resident came to their aid with a rope and succeeded in pulling Mr. Metcalf ashore but sadly, Mr. Campbell and one of the canoeists disappeared below the surface and were drowned.