Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: August 13, 1984
• Invested on: March 15, 1985

Major Margus Peter Aruja, M.B, C.D.
Master Warrant Officer Eric Lawrence Welin, M.B., C.D.
Lieutenant Richard Turner Witherden, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On 5 December 1983, Maj. Marc Aruja, MWO. Eric Welin and Lt. Richard Witherden, aircrew of the Sea King helicopter launched from H.M.C.S. Iroquois, participated in the rescue of eleven of the twenty seamen aboard the badly listing No. 5 Ho Ming, abandoned in extremely rough seas off the coast of Newfoundland. The helicopter rescue was postponed after a first night attempt failed because the prevailing conditions could have resulted in a fatal injury to anyone on the hoist cable. Just before dawn her list suddenly increased and the Master of Ho Ming radioed his decision to abandon ship. Responding to the distress call, Iroquois re-launched her Sea King. Struggling against severe down drafts and gusting winds while positioned over the stern of the rolling vessel, the helicopter was constantly in danger from the violent movements of the Ho Ming's numerous cranes and aerials. With exemplary coolness in the worst of conditions, Maj. Aruja, as Detachment Cdr. and Navigator, participated in all three missions and personally directed the entire hoist transfer in the last two trips. The safe and timely evacuation of the eleven mariners is to a large extent due to his determined and selfless efforts. MWO. Welin volunteered as hoist operator. Fully exposed to the elements and precariously positioned at the aircraft door, he lowered Sgt. Blair Stewart to the deck, then rapidly and efficiently lifted the first eight men to the aircraft. On the second trip, he hoisted the last three and recovered the crew member. His actions were a key factor in the success of rescue missions. As the co-pilot for all three sorties, Lt. Witherden was the right hand of the pilot, advising and assisting in flying the helicopter and maintaining the desired positions. To effect the rescue the helicopter was forced to hover dangerously close to the derricks and antennae on the careening decks. In spite of the constant stress and strain of horrendous flying conditions, and the constant danger to his aircraft, he calmly performed the task at hand. Their devotion beyond duty is in the finest of the Service.