Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: June 20, 2002
• Invested on: June 13, 2003

On December 29, 1999, while vacationing in Mazatlan, Mexico, 30-year-old Christopher Vermeeren lost his life when he pushed his brother out of the path of flying bullets. The brothers were having dinner at a local restaurant when a group of armed criminals walked in and opened fire on the customers sitting at the table behind them. With complete disregard for his own safety, Christopher leapt in front of his brother and, by pushing him out of harm's way, stood directly in the line of fire. Although severely injured, Christopher dragged his brother in his fall to the ground and shielded him with his own body while the shooting continued. Sadly, Christopher succumbed to his wounds in a local hospital a few days later but, thanks to his valiant efforts, his younger brother was unharmed.