Laurence Perry, M.S.M., Whistler, British Columbia
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
On July 26, 2003, helicopter pilot Laurence Perry was dispatched on a rescue mission to the highest peak of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, United States, where seven climbers had been struck by a bolt of lightning. In spite of the approaching darkness, high altitude, strong winds and lightning strikes, Mr. Perry displayed perseverance and the highest standard of professionalism by flying his helicopter continuously for over eight hours to take rescue personnel to the incident site and to bring back the injured and deceased hikers from the mountain peak.