Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1995-04-04
Invested on: 1995-06-23
Karl Duncan Achenbach, M.B.
Evan William Feen, M.B.
Michael Wiegele, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On April 17, 1990, Messrs. Achenbach, Feen and Wiegele helped rescue victims trapped in a burning helicopter near Blue River, British Columbia. Mr. Wiegele and Mr. Feen were on the ground nearby when the helicopter crashed, while Mr. Achenbach was a passenger inside. Seeing the crash, Mr. Wiegele immediately raced to the scene to open the pilot's door and urge the disoriented occupants to get out. Unable to open a side door, he broke a window and began pulling people out. The second passenger became stuck but was pushed out by Mr. Achenbach, who sustained injuries. Meanwhile, Mr. Feen had rushed to the flaming aircraft and crawled part way into the cockpit to assist some of the other passengers. As the heat intensified, all three rescuers were forced to back away. Their efforts saved the lives of ten of the thirteen passengers.