McLAUGHLAN, Leading Aircraftman Ralph Wayne - Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct - Awarded 27 July 1963 as per Canada Gazette dated 27 July 1963 and AFRO 31/63 dated 2 August 1963. Home in Moncton. See Cole (British Empire Medal).
On the night of 27 April, 1962, a fire occurred in a third floor apartment of the RCAF married quarters located at St. Avold, eleven miles from 2 Fighter Wing, Grostenquin, France, in which a boy of twelve and three infants, aged two years and below, were sleeping. The youngest infant perished in the fire. Leading Aircraftman McLaughlan, who was in bed in a neighbouring building, upon hearing a shout of "Fire", proceeded immediately to the burning apartment, donning gas cape and mask as he went. Notwithstanding the intense heat and heavy acrid smoke, he penetrated to the master bedroom, the seat of the fire. Assuming that no one could be alive in the main bedroom, he then made his way towards another bedroom, he then made his way towards another bedroom where an airman handed him a child whom he conducted to safety. In spite of the hazardous conditions, he continued searching the apartment to ensure no occupants remained. He then made his way at great personal risk along a narrow ledge outside the fourth floor of the building to an apartment where several people considered themselves trapped and assisted another airman in leading them through the dense smoke to safety. Following this, he returned to the top floor to ensure that the other apartments situated there were empty. On leaving the building he collapsed and required hospitalization. Throughout this emergency, Leading Aircraftman McLaughlan conducted himself bravely, displaying exceptional fortitude, persistence and presence of mind. His actions contributed to the saving of on human life and possibly more.