Star of Courage

• Awarded on: August 26, 1991
• Invested on: December 13, 1991

Senior Engineer Joseph Wilfred Pierre Gallien, S.C. (posthumous)
Chief Officer Gregory Paul Peddle, S.C. (posthumous)
Leading Seaman Raymond C. Welcher, S.C. (posthumous)
Star of Courage

On October 15, 1989, in the turbulent waters of Middle Cove, Newfoundland, three members of the Canadian Coast Guard, Sr. Eng. Gallien, Chi. Off. Peddle and LS. Welcher, lost their lives in an attempt to recover the body of a surfer. As part of a collaborative rescue operation, they battled the difficult sea conditions in a fast rescue craft to come to the aid of a group of body surfers caught in the rip tide. Advised that only one man remained in the water, floating face down near a shoal, they proceeded to him. During a lull in the waves, LS. Welcher was able to grab the victim but, at that moment, a large swell caused the craft to capsize, throwing all hands into the foaming waters. Sr. Eng. Gallien was seen hanging onto a rock and an attempt was made to rescue him; however, it was unsuccessful.