THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT
BLACKETT Karl F.
U55855, Driver, Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport
CITATION
Chief of General Staff Commandation
Awarded 2 February 1989
On the evening of Wednesday 28 September 1988, a mentally disturbed sixteen year old female patient absconded from Wellington Hospital. Some hours later, she was discovered in a very distressed state, naked, in the waters of Wellington Harbour, in serious danger of drowning. Driver Karl Blackett of the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport, who was at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on official Army business, was alerted to the situation by a member of the public. With disregard for his own safety, Blackett climbed down an eight foot wall and walked along the breakwater until he located the female and removed her from the water. He also provided her with part of his uniform for both warmth and decency purposes. Driver Blackett displayed courage in his actions, as prevailing weather conditions and the unpredictable nature of the female could well have endangered his own safety. Undoubtedly, his quick action saved a life
KNOWN AWARDS
New Zealand Operational Service Medal
New Zealand General Service Medal - non-warlike
SinaiMultinational Force & Observers Medal
Chief of General Staff Commandation
NOTES
Born
Died
