The town of Cambridge near Kentville, NS boasts only one school - a two-story frame structure. One Saturday morning last June, Air Cadet Floyd Peterson of No. 507 (Kentville) Squadron was strolling past the school with a crippled friend when he noticed smoke seeping out around the windows. He quickly decided to investigate and noticed from the odor of the fumes that they were generated by phosphorus. Sending his chum for help, Floyd forced a window open and made his way through heavy smoke to the chemistry lab on the second floor. Here he discovered that a bottle of phosphorus had exploded and flaming chunks were flying about the room. The shelves of the lab were already on fire and flames were dangerously close to an array of volatile chemicals including two large containers of alcohol.

Snatching up a coat that had been left in the school Cadet Peterson tossed it over the sputtering phosphorus, picked up the blazing mass and threw it out of a window. Then, ignoring the danger of a possible explosion, he turned his attention to the other fire. By the time help arrived Floyd Peterson, badly burned on the hands and face and nearly blinded from smoke, had the situation completely under control.

When the good people of Cambridge heard the story they handed Floyd a $200 "thank you" cheque to assist the burned youth with medical expenses. But greater honours were to come.

In February Defence Minister Brooke Claxton announced that Air Cadet Floyd Peterson would receive the Cadet Award for Bravery - a medal awarded only to cadets who knowingly risk their lives in the interest of the lives or property of others. As this is written, plans have been made for Cadet Peterson to fly to Ottawa and attend the annual meeting of the Air Cadet League in March, at which time he will be presented with his well-earned hero's medal.