Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 8, 1999
• Invested on: May 01, 2000

On June 30, 1998, 12-year-old Justin Wipf rescued his 14-year-old friend from drowning in Kenaston, Saskatchewan. Justin had been swimming with friends and had returned to shore when he noticed one friend disappear under the surface. Although not a strong swimmer and exhausted from swimming, Justin went back into the water and dove in search of the boy. Unable to see him through the murky water, he was forced to come up for air twice. On his third dive, the victim's limp body brushed against his foot. Using all his strength, Justin succeeded in pulling the bigger boy to the surface, then dragged him to shore and up a steep bank where the boy's uncle was able to revive him.