CHISINAU, February 29, 2012 — A brave boy who has recently jumped into the cold water of the Dniester River to rescue a drowning dog received Wednesday, February 29, a diploma of appreciation from Defense Minister Vitalie Marinuta.

The Minister of Defense heard about the nine-year-old boy, Mihai Mutoi, from Cosauti village, District of Soroca, after the latter had tried to save a dog risking his own life.

The Defense Minister congratulated Mihai for his courage telling him the bravest men have a place of honor in the National Army.

“You are a brave boy and the diploma I gave you today is a sign of gratitude for the courage you showed while rescuing the poor dog. When you grow, we expect you to join the National Army as a soldier”, the Defense Minister told him.

Mihai Mutoi was extremely excited about his visit to the Ministry of Defense. He took some pictures with the Minister of Defense near the Republic of Moldova state flag. Vitalie Marinuta encouraged him to sit in the Defense Minister’s chair. Then, the minister offered the boy a photo album about the National Army, as well as a pack of sweets to take home.

Mihai Mutoi became known all over the country two weeks ago. One day, he went to the forest to bring woods for fire. When he passed by the Dniester River, he heard a drowning squealing dog. As he wanted to rescue it from the cold water of the river, he laid on belly and tried to catch the dog and throw it on the bank. When he realized he was not able to do that, he stood up. At that moment, the ice cracked under his feet and he fell into the water. He did his best to get to the bank of the river, but he couldn’t.

The boy was rescued by a few adults passing by. He was immediately taken to the Soroca Hospital having hypothermia. When his condition improved, he came back home. From that moment, local citizens started calling him the “Cosauti Hero”.