Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: August 27, 1990
• Invested on: December 07, 1990

On February 15, 1986 while accompanying a Coast Guard helicopter pilot on a search mission, Yvon Bourassa, a technician, rescued two teenagers from an ice floe adrift in the St. Lawrence River near St-Nicolas. Because the pilot was unable to keep the helicopter stationary, Mr. Bourassa climbed out onto the skid while holding onto his safety strap, in order to have better use of his free arm. Using the intercom system, he had the pilot descend so that he could get closer to the nearest boy, whom he succeeded in pulling into the helicopter. Shortly afterwards, the second youth jumped into Mr. Bourassa's arms, temporarily throwing the aircraft off balance. After the boy was pulled to safety, in order to avoid any further manoeuvring, Mr. Bourassa stayed on the skid until the helicopter landed on the shore.