Star of Courage

• Awarded on: July 3, 1981
• Invested on: September 18, 1981

On May 29, 1980, André Denis at the risk of his life, rescued a Canadian Coast Guard pilot from a helicopter that had crashed at Cap Tourmente (Québec). The helicopter carrying a survey party of four, headed by Mr. Denis, put down on railway tracks but became unsteady and tilted backwards while the group was deplaning. Its tail suddenly swung around killing one passenger instantly, then it crashed against nearby rocks injuring André Denis seriously. Nevertheless, without consideration for himself, he immediately radioed for help. Afterwards, though fully aware that the aircraft could explode at any moment, he managed, with the assistance of two co-workers to free the unconscious pilot who was trapped inside the cockpit, then he turned off the engine which was still running at full speed and directed the others away from the aircraft because of the possibility of an explosion.