Medal of Bravery awarded for saving comrade

[Hill677]

     
Medal of Bravery awarded for saving comrade
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Project Number: 07-575



Corporal Jonathan Beaudin stands before the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, to receive a Medal of Bravery.

 
OTTAWA, Ontario – A Canadian solider was one of 36 Canadians recently honoured for bravery by the Governor-General. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean presented the Medal of Bravery to Private Jonathan Beaudin at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Private Beaudin was a member of a LAV III team training at CFB Wainright, Alberta. The Citation for the Medal reads:


Cpl Jonathan Beaudin stands beside the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, after being awarded the Medal of Bravery.

On September 20, 2005, Private Jonathan Beaudin rescued his team leader trapped inside their submerged armoured vehicle during a night tactical training exercise at Canadian Forces Base Wainright, in Alberta. The soft earth on which the vehicle was travelling suddenly gave way, sending it rolling into the frigid water of the Battle River. Although disoriented and in complete darkness, Private Beaudin was able to find a tiny air pocket in a corner of the overturned machine. The other two victims remained trapped and submerged. Despite his injuries, Private Beaudin pulled one of his colleagues from his precarious position and led him through the combat door to safety. Regrettably, the accident claimed the life of the driver of the vehicle.

Master Corporal Richard Boudreault survived the accident. The accident claimed the life of Private Patrick Dessureault. All three soldiers belonged to the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, from Valcartier, Quebec.

Private Beaudin has since been promoted to Corporal. He remains with the Royal 22e Régiment.

WELL DONE SOLDIER !!!