Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 1995-03-10
Invested on: 1995-04-11
Co-recipients: Major Robert Raymond Henderson, M.S.M., C.D. (Posthumous)
Major Walter Charles Sweetman, M.S.M. C.D. (Posthumous)
On April 28, 1994, a Sea King helicopter experienced an engine explosion and mechanical failure over the north shore of the Bay of Fundy. Major Sweetman, the aircraft captain, and Major Henderson, the co-pilot, immediately initiated a difficult forced landing procedure while Captain Hanam, the navigator, tried to extinguish the on-board fire, which had spread quickly to the cockpit. Despite restricted visibility from heavy smoke and a total loss of power, Majors Henderson and Sweetman displayed great skill and professionalism in maintaining control of the aircraft throughout the descent. Upon impact, Captain Hanam verified the condition of the pilots and, unable to help, assisted the flight engineer through the exit, suffering serious burns and respiratory injury from smoke inhalation. Tragically, both Major Henderson and Major Sweetman perished.