Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: February 7, 1996
• Invested on: September 13, 1996

Mikhail Malakhov, M.S.M., Ryazan, Russia
Richard Weber, M.S.M., Aylmer, Que.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

In 1995, Dr. Malakhov, a citizen of Russia, and Mr. Weber, a Canadian, successfully completed an unsupported 2,000 km round-trip expedition to the North Pole, widely considered to be the last unclaimed achievement of polar exploration. Due to their determination and perseverance, they managed to overcome severe weather conditions, incredible obstacles and sleep deprivation. In addition, they provided the impetus for a very successful educational program, Project Follow Us, which enabled thousands of students worldwide to follow their exploits via computer.