HMCS York NR10.01 - November 26, 2010
TORONTO – The Medal of Bravery was awarded today to the family of the late Leading Seaman Robert Binder by the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walter Natynczyk, on behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at Her Majesty's Canadian (HMCS) Ship York.
"The medal of bravery is one of Canada's highest honours," said General Natynczyk. "We should all remember Leading Seaman Binder for his courage and disregard for his own safety while saving the life of another. I am honoured to present this decoration to his family."
In the early hours of August 14, 2008, at the age of nineteen, he and two other Canadian Forces members heard a car crash through a concrete barrier and plunge into the frigid waters of Lang Cove, at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, B.C. The servicemen quickly dove into the murky waters and repeatedly attempted to rescue the submerged vehicle's occupant. With the doors being jammed, they smashed the windows to extricate the unconscious passenger. Upon bringing him back ashore, they successfully administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ultimately saving the man's life.
Leading Seaman Binder, a Marine Engineering Systems Operator in the Naval Reserve, passed away in June of this year.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
For more information contact: Acting Sub-Lieutenant Mike Strapko, HMCS York Public Affairs Officer, 416-908-4856
