Star of Courage

• Awarded on: April 6, 1981
• Invested on: June 19, 1981

Petty Officer Patrick Garfield Marsh, S.C.
Chief Warrant Officer John Lorne McIntosh, M.M.M., S.C., C.D.
Star of Courage

On September 10, 1979, CWO John McIntosh and PO Patrick Marsh of the Canadian Forces serving on board the HMCS Nipigon voluntarily exposed themselves to grave danger to ensure the safety of the ship and possible loss of life on board. While underway at sea, a gasket from a steam line heated at 850o ruptured in the boiler room of the destroyer. PO Marsh ordered all personnel to evacuate the immediate area and remained at the boiler room console to carry out the emergency shut-down procedures. Outside, the main power had failed, semi-darkness made any action most difficult, confusion and a sense of danger were evident, but CWO McIntosh proceeded without hesitation through the escape hatch, although the heat was intolerable. He reached the console with difficulty and both he and PO Marsh with only ventilation fans keeping the steam from smothering them, calmly and correctly took appropriate action to minimize machinery damage and restore safety.