Star of Courage

• Awarded on: February 28, 2013
• Invested on: December 05, 2013

Nicole Louise Foran, S.C.
Star of Courage
Carolina Aida Santizo Arriola, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On April 19, 2009, flight attendants Nicole Foran and Carolina Santizo Arriola were instrumental in the safe release of passengers during a hijacking at the Montego Bay airport, in Jamaica. A gunman, who had pushed his way onto the plane during boarding, forced the pilot down the loading ramp and fired a shot at him. Although threatened by the gunman, Mrs. Santizo Arriola suggested that he release the passengers in exchange for money. He agreed, and the passengers were allowed to leave after dropping money into bags. Over the next several hours, Mrs. Foran and Mrs. Santizo Arriola tried to calm the gunman as he threatened the crew, demanding that the plane take off. A Jamaican anti-terrorist squad finally stormed the aircraft and, taking advantage of this distraction, Mrs. Foran grabbed the gun from the hijacker's hand and held it away from him. Mrs. Foran and Mrs. Santizo Arriola showed great courage during this highly volatile situation.