Star of Courage

• Awarded on: April 29, 1985
• Invested on: December 06, 1985

Yvon Ferland, S.C.
Michel Villeneuve, S.C.
Star of Courage

In the dark hours of 12 February 1984, Yvon Ferland and Michel Villeneuve with determination and courage saved a snowmobiler stranded on a small island in the Des Chênes Rapids. Two men were crossing the Ottawa River when their snowmobile plunged into the rapids. Sadly, one man drowned, but the other was able to reach solid ground and called for help. Aware that he might not survive the cold temperatures until air-lifted by a helicopter in daylight, Messrs. Ferland and Villeneuve launched a small motor boat and inched their way in dense fog through the shallow, swirling waters. As metre-high waves crashed over them and battered their craft on the rocks beneath the surface, they struggled to maintain control of the boat, which quickly swamped. Some distance from their goal the propeller hit bottom and stopped. Undaunted, Messrs. Ferland and Villeneuve continued their course and fought the cross-currents armed with paddles. Close to the island a surge of water smashed their boat against the rocks nearby, making a return trip impossible. Nevertheless, Messrs. Ferland and Villeneuve waded in knee-deep snow, quickly lit a fire and kept the nearly-frozen man awake and warm until he recovered. The trio was rescued by the helicopter several hours later.