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British Empire Medal

PATTERSON, Donald Victor, Able Seaman, 4855-H, RCN

Issued: 3-Apr-1965, Canada Gazette

"On the occasion of the rescue on 1st March 1964 of thirty-five crew members of S.S. Amphialos from their sinking ship by HMCS Athabaskan, Able Seaman Patterson, in his capacity as a ship's diver, dived overboard to the aid of a survivor in the water about 70 feet from the ship, and by his efforts, was largely responsible for bringing the man safely aboard. The survivor had been floating in his life-jacket in heavy and oil-infested seas and by the time Patterson reached him was thoroughly exhausted, covered with oil, and helpless. The seas at the time were running from 10 to 14 feet. A short time later, Able Seaman Patterson, despite the difficult sea conditions and oil, was again in the water for approximately 25 minutes attempting to guide a life-raft down to the wreck. Throughout the whole of the rescue operation, this man displayed personal courage and skill of a high order."