Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: October 17, 2017
• Invested on: September 20, 2018

Augustine Dalton, M.S.M. (posthumous)
Admirals Beach, Newfoundland and Labrador

On August 11, 1986, Gus Dalton orchestrated the rescue of 155 Tamil refugees who were drifting in lifeboats off the coast of St. Shott’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Without hesitation, he dumped his own catch of cod to accommodate the marooned refugees, radioing other fishing boats in the vicinity and notifying the Canadian Coast Guard to assist in the rescue. Thanks to his valiant actions, many refugees stayed and became contributing members of Canadian society.