Star of Courage

• Awarded on: July 3, 1981
• Invested on: September 18, 1981

Captain Gary Louis Flath, S.C.
Star of Courage

Capt. Flath of the Canadian Armed Forces was the Aircraft Commander of a helicopter which, on September 13, 1980, rescued, in most perilous circumstances, the two survivors of the crew of a crashed U.S. Navy helicopter at Whatcom Peak in Washington State. The wreckage and injured men were located on a rock wall at 2200 metre level of the mountain. Forty-knot shifting, gusting winds were blowing around the top, creating down drafts; the cold temperature required engine anti-ice which limited power; constantly alternating cloud conditions and deteriorating weather made the task of deploying rescue technicians extremely hazardous. Capt. Flath, in an incredible test of nerves, courage and will power, and with outstanding professional skill, was able to position his helicopter on the edge of the glacier, hovered in and out of clouds for approximately thirty minutes, dangerously close to the mountain rock face, while his crew recovered the injured personnel. The weather closed immediately after. His gallantry saved the lives of the men who had crashed two days prior, were seriously injured and would not have survived another night on the mountain.