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QUEEN'S COMMENDATION for BRAVE CONDUCT

BOWEN, Kennedy Francis, Leading Seaman, 27232-H , RCN

Issued: 17-Sep-1966, Canada Gazette

"While at sea on the night of 18 October 1965, advice was received by HMCS Bonaventure that HMCS Nipigon was on fire and urgently required medical assistance, fire-fighting equipment, and wished to evacuate eight seriously burned member of her crew. Lt Blanchard was pilot of helicopter 'Pedro'; Lt McDermott was co-pilot and; LS Bowen was employed as aircrewman on the helicopter. They made three flights between the two ships delivering fire-fighting equipment and medical supplies, returning with the eight injured crew members. These flights were made despite the hazardous conditions that existed at the time, a dark night with visibility reduced in rain, and flying a helicopter that was not designed for low flying over water at night under instrument conditions. The skill of Lt Blanchard and Lt McDermott, coupled with their devotion to duty and complete disregard for their own personal safety, allowed eight men to receive urgently required medical treatment only available on HMCS Bonaventure. Entirely on his own initiative, LS Bowen stationed himself in the main cabin door and directed the aircraft from ship to ship. In the latter stages of the approach, he found it necessary to stand on the main cabin step so he could give the pilots information on deck movement. Without this steady stream of information, the pilots, whose vision was restricted by darkness and rain would have found the mission extremely difficult to complete. In addition, LS Bowen supervised and assisted in the loading of the aircraft, and by his alertness and calm efficiency expedited the removal of the casualties. During this entire operation, LS Bowen exhibited a high degree of initiative, airmanship and courage which reflects great credit upon himself."