Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 11, 2007 19:59:47 GMT 12
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/4022705a6579.html
Air force pilot honoured for 'just doing my job'
By ANDREW McALLEY - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 11 April 2007
A Waikato air force pilot has been honoured for rescuing an Australian sailor in the Solomon Islands.
Squadron Leader Shaun Sexton was recently awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal at Government House. Sqn Ldr Sexton flew an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter on a night mission to rescue an Australian sailor in thick jungle in the Solomons in June 2004. The sailor had suffered serious spinal injuries after falling down a ravine in the Florida Islands. Australian pilots were unable to carry out the rescue but the Kiwis - wearing night-vision goggles - were able to pull it off.
The rescue involved crewman Sergeant Philip Blakeman being winched down 75m to the injured man while above him Sqn Ldr Sexton had to keep the helicopter stable.
The Australian was rescued and both men were awarded medals for their efforts. Sqn Ldr Sexton said it was great to get recognition, but he was humbled to be in such distinguished company at the awards day.
"I mean there was a former head of SIS, numerous senior civil servants and a surgeon who had performed about 3000 operations and designed surgical instruments. Here I was receiving an award for saving one life in essentially what was a case of just doing my job."
While Sqn Ldr Sexton played down his efforts his wife Tracy, mother Bev, father Dennis and brother Mike thought it significant enough to attend the ceremony.
Air force pilot honoured for 'just doing my job'
By ANDREW McALLEY - Waikato Times | Wednesday, 11 April 2007
A Waikato air force pilot has been honoured for rescuing an Australian sailor in the Solomon Islands.
Squadron Leader Shaun Sexton was recently awarded the New Zealand Bravery Medal at Government House. Sqn Ldr Sexton flew an RNZAF Iroquois helicopter on a night mission to rescue an Australian sailor in thick jungle in the Solomons in June 2004. The sailor had suffered serious spinal injuries after falling down a ravine in the Florida Islands. Australian pilots were unable to carry out the rescue but the Kiwis - wearing night-vision goggles - were able to pull it off.
The rescue involved crewman Sergeant Philip Blakeman being winched down 75m to the injured man while above him Sqn Ldr Sexton had to keep the helicopter stable.
The Australian was rescued and both men were awarded medals for their efforts. Sqn Ldr Sexton said it was great to get recognition, but he was humbled to be in such distinguished company at the awards day.
"I mean there was a former head of SIS, numerous senior civil servants and a surgeon who had performed about 3000 operations and designed surgical instruments. Here I was receiving an award for saving one life in essentially what was a case of just doing my job."
While Sqn Ldr Sexton played down his efforts his wife Tracy, mother Bev, father Dennis and brother Mike thought it significant enough to attend the ceremony.
