Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: September 6, 2001
• Invested on: December 09, 2002

During a severe storm on June 30, 1998, helicopter technician Michel Gionet rescued two teenage boys who had become stranded on a reef during a kayak trip and were trapped in the Montmagny Archipelago of the St. Lawrence River, in Quebec. Despite the torrential rain and a wind velocity of 60 knots, the helicopter in which he was a passenger touched down on a slippery rock a few metres from the teenagers, allowing Mr. Gionet to climb out onto the skid while the pilot skillfully stabilized the craft to a hovering position. Despite the risk, Mr. Gionet made his way to the victims, numbed by the cold and frozen with fear, and coaxed them into following him. Although he struggled to keep his balance on the slippery surface, he managed to guide the victims to the helicopter door and helped them safely board the craft.