Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: December 5, 1983
• Invested on: June 22, 1984

On 29 June 1982, Petty Officer John George Yurcak, Duty Engineering Technician of H.M.C.S. Margaree, displayed a very high degree of professionalism and bravery in the aftermath of a boiler room explosion. Immediately after the explosion, knowing that an Auxiliary Boiler Watchkeeper might be injured, Petty Officer Yurcak entered the smoke-filled compartment, and rushed to the severely damaged auxiliary boiler, discovering that raw fuel was still being pumped into the firebox. Aware that a second explosion in the weakened boiler structure would endanger the ship's company and further disable the vessel, without regard for his own life, Petty Officer Yurcak approached the boiler face and turned off the fuel supply by hand. He then located the watchkeeper who was shaken but unhurt, and led him out of the boiler room, returning to tend the auxiliary boiler. His quick and effective action averted a more serious accident and possible loss of lives.