Joe Kayakyuak Karetak Sr., M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On January 9, 2013, Joe Karetak rescued the pilot of a submerged helicopter near Arviat, Nunavut. Stranded on an ice floe overnight in frigid temperatures, Mr. Karetak and his son were relieved to see the rescue helicopter arrive the next morning. The pilot tried to land the aircraft on the ice, but it sank through. Mr. Karetak inched his way to the edge of the ice, extended a harpoon to the pilot and pulled the man to safety. The three victims were rescued by a second aircraft three hours later.