Star of Courage

• Awarded on: August 24, 1972
• Invested on: June 08, 1973

Warrant Officer Robert Laverne Clark, S.C., C.D.
Star of Courage

On April 19, 1968, Robert Laverne Clark, who was at the time a sergeant in the Queen's Own Riffles of Canada, was instructing recruits in grenade throwing at the Sarcee Training Area, Calgary. A trainee, having pulled out the safety pin of a grenade with a four-second fuse, let it fall at his feet. Sgt. Clark, reacting instantly, pushed the recruit to the ground and, shielding him with his own body, hurled the grenade which exploded immediately it cleared the throwing bay. There is no doubt that Sgt. Clark's prompt action at great hazard to himself prevented grave consequences for those involved.