Star of Courage
Sergeant David John Cooper, S.C., C.D., Winnipeg, Manitoba
Sergeant Dwayne B. Guay, S.C., C.D., Comox, British Columbia
Star of Courage
On February 16, 2007, Sergeant David Cooper and Sergeant Dwayne Guay, then master corporal, parachuted in extreme weather conditions to rescue a man who was stranded on an ice flow, in the Arctic Ocean, in the Northwest Territories. After a difficult landing due to the strong winds, the two search and rescue technicians made their way to the victim, provided first aid, and set up shelter until help arrived, some
11 hours later.
http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID=5664
Star of Courage
Comox-based search and rescue technician receiving bravery award for daring Arctic rescue
A Comox search-and-rescue technician will be awarded the Star of Courage, one of the country's highest honours for bravery, for his part in the 2007 rescue of a polar-bear hunter who was stranded on an ice floe in the Northwest Territories.
Gov.-Gen. Michaëlle Jean will give the award to Sgt. Dwayne Guay, now of 442 Squadron at CFB Comox, said press release issued by Jean's office yesterday.
The award is given to those who display "conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril."
On Feb. 16, 2007, Guay and Sgt. David Cooper were both stationed at 17 Wing in Winnipeg when they were called to help a hunter who became stranded on a floe while attempting to retrieve a dead seal used to attract polar bears.
The hunter's boat broke free, leaving him alone on the floe with the dead seal and no rifle.
The SAR techs parachuted in dark, icy conditions to rescue the hunter. Strong winds made for a difficult landing and the two rescuers made their way to the victim, provided first aid and helped set up a shelter until the three could be extracted 11 hours later, by a Cormorant helicopter based at CFB Comox.
The chopper had been in the area, flying to Whitehorse to participate in an air show, and was diverted to pick up Guay and Cooper.
Guay could not be reached for comment yesterday but in media reports after the rescue, he said: "If there was even the smallest malfunction or problem, we'd be in big trouble. It would have made us casualties for sure."
Three other men will receive the star of courage while 36 Canadians will receive medals of bravery, which recognize acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
The date for the ceremony has not yet been set.
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?cat=114&id=7982
Sgt Dwayne Guay, Capt Meagan McGrath, LGen Angus Watt, and Sgt David Cooper at the 2009 Dawn Patrol breakfast. Credit: Jenn Gearey.
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/common/plugins/imgLoader/?src=/site/newsroom/news_images/2009/03/dawnpatrol.jpg&fit=240&do=fit&w=240&t=33637.14
Heroes recognized at breakfast function
March 12, 2009
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Sgt Dwayne Guay, Capt Meagan McGrath, LGen Angus Watt, and Sgt David Cooper at the 2009 Dawn Patrol breakfast. Credit: Jenn Gearey. |
By Jenn Gearey
A handful of remarkable Air Force heroes were graciously honoured by the Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC) at its annual Dawn Patrol breakfast in Ottawa's Chateau Laurier on Friday, February 27, 2009.
Dawn Patrol is an informal breakfast hosted by AFAC that allows Air Force members to network with Defence allies, industry representatives, and air power heritage officials to learn about the latest aerospace-related projects. The term 'Dawn Patrol', comes from Canada's First World War aviator William Avery "Billy" Bishop, who helped win an early dawn raid on a German airfield. Bishop was the first Canadian airman to earn a Victoria Cross.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant General Angus Watt, took the breakfast to publicly recognize Air Force personnel who have made a significant operational contribution. Sergeant David Cooper from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 17 Wing Winnipeg, Man., Sergeant Dwayne Guay from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron at 19 Wing Comox, B.C., and Captain Meagan McGrath with the Canadian Forces Air Force Experimentation Centre in Ottawa, were those acknowledged at the event.
In 2007, Sgt Cooper led and Sgt Dwayne Guay participated in a parachute rescue in the face of extreme dangers, harsh winds and extremely low temperatures. During a difficult night jump onto an ice floe at Cape Parry in the Arctic Ocean, the two sergeants managed to bravely rescue the man trapped on the ice floe. This year, they will be recognized by the Governor General for this rescue with a Star of Courage.
Capt McGrath, who was also recognized, is the first Canadian Forces member, and the youngest Canadian woman, to successfully climb the Seven Summits, the highest mountain peaks on each continent. In May 2007, she was recognized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association for helping save the life of a 21-year old climber on Mount Everest.
"Those are just some of the great men and women in the Air Force," said LGen Watt. "I am very proud of them, I am very proud to be their Chief of the Air Staff."
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