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Two Canadian Soldiers Recommended for Medals
Thursday, March 21, 2002
(1:00 AM)
By Stephen Thorne
Canadian Press

"They were both going out," Lieut. Kyle Strong said yesterday in an interview. "I reached out and grabbed Cpl. Scott by the strap on his rucksack. However, the tail of the aircraft was down and we all began to slide. I could feel us all inching out."

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- CP
Two Canadian soldiers have been recommended for bravery medals after putting themselves in danger at the back of a pitching helicopter to save a dangling young corporal from falling off.

"Their actions, taken at great hazard to their own personal safety, helped to prevent a very serious tragedy," the recommendation said.

Their bravery is made all the more poignant by a similar incident in which another U.S. helicopter was shot down and a U.S. Special Forces soldier died at the hands of the enemy when he was thrown out during "precisely the same manoeuvre," it said.

The recommendation, which was submitted to National Defence headquarters in Ottawa, praised Warrant Officer Zachary Vanthournout of Chatham and Lieut. Kyle Strong of Manuels, Nfld.

Their "quick thinking and selfless reaction doubtlessly prevented grave injury or death ... despite considerable additional risk to themselves by moving out unsecured on to the ramp of an ascending helicopter" in full battle dress, it said.
(More: The Toronto Star News Source)
2002 © Canadian Press.

Dan