Sergeant Charles Herbert Clements, M.B., C.D.
Master Corporal J.H. Claude Major, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
Shortly before midnight on June 25, 1984, Search and Rescue technicians Sgt. Clements and MCpl. Major were lowered from a helicopter to assist a mountain climber after two previous rescue attempts had failed. In total darkness and continuous rain, they reached the stranded man on a mountain ledge near Rimouski, Quebec. The two members of the 413 Squadron attempted to comfort the panic-stricken man and to find the most appropriate route down the 100-metre cliff. During the descent, the three were continually pelted by falling rock and shale loosened by their ropes slapping on the unstable rock face. Sgt. Clements shielded the victim with his body while MCpl. Major led the pair and called warnings of falling rock. With great difficulty they reached the bottom of the cliff where the exhausted man was taken to hospital.