Star of Courage

• Awarded on: April 23, 1990
• Invested on: June 08, 1990

Cpl. Thomas Sherman McKenzie rescued an elderly neighbour from his burning home in the town of Bow Island, Alberta in the early morning of September 23, 1988. After an initial attempt to enter the burning house, Cpl. McKenzie was forced to retreat because of the smoke. He re-entered the house and crawled to the living room, calling to the two occupants of the house, who did not reply. Cpl. McKenzie withdrew again, but when he entered for a third time, he found the male occupant and tried to rouse him. Cpl. McKenzie was again overcome by the smoke and had to retreat, only to return to find that the victim had moved. Cpl. McKenzie was forced to leave once again but, upon entering for the fifth time, was able to locate the man and drag him to safety. Cpl. McKenzie made a final attempt to locate the female victim, but was unsuccessful.