Anna Ruth Lang

Anna Ruth Lang is a recipient of the Canadian Cross of Valour. On 9 September 1980, Lang rescued two car passengers, Lana and her four-year-old son, Jaye Walsh. At the entry of the Hammond River bridge a gasoline truck hit Lang's car from behind and rammed it off the bridge and into the river. At that point the tanker fell into the river and exploded. The water was burning hot, and their car sank quickly. Lana was trying to swim to shore in her heavy clothes while holding her son. Suffering a concussion and under threat of spreading fire, Lang swam to shore and removed her heavy clothing, then returned to Lana and her son. Lang managed to reach Lana and Jaye Walsh and drag them to a safe distance from the fire and to shore. She suffered extreme burns during the rescue.

She was awarded the Cross of Valour, the highest ranking of the Canadian Bravery Decorations, one of 20 who have received the award since the award was established in 1972.

Two others who aided in the rescue from the shore, Jackie Chaisson and Erik Sparks, were awarded the Star of Courage, Canada's second-highest award for bravery.