The Montana National Guard has bestowed one of its highest medals on a Southern Alberta rancher, for helping to solve the mystery of a downed fighter jet.
Reid Moynihan was just seven years old when in June 1977, an F-106 delta dart fighter jet crashed near his family’s ranch in Southern Alberta’s Porcupine Hills.
Few details of the crash that killed an American pilot were released, so Moynihan began looking for answers.
"If there’s a fireman or policeman that passes on in the line of duty, there’s a marker there. And there most certainly should be one for someone who was training to protect their county and our country".
Moynihan began searching newspaper archives and the internet. He spoke with veterans, and eventually discovered the pilot’s name, Lt. David Denning of he Montana National Guard.
He then contacted Denning’s nephew in Montana.
"He was looking for family and answers’, says Chris Denning, "and I was looking for information that might be out there about the site. I never dreamed we’d have the opportunity to actually visit the site".
They learned Lt. Denning had been on a NORAD training mission and was given orders to fly at six thousand feet, far too low for the rugged terrain.
With the mystery solved, a memorial was commissioned and placed at the site.
Adjutant General John Walsh is one of several commanders with the Montana National Guard who have come to pay their respects.
"It really brings to heart to me, that every day we send men and women out either in a combat environment or a training environment. What we do in the military is a dangerous job".
The commanders have also come to honour the Canadian rancher who was so determined to preserve the name and memory of the American pilot who died in the line of duty.
Moynihan says the quest was never about him. He’s just glad Lt. David Denning will not be forgotten.
"I’m happy that i’m being recognized for this, but the biggest reward is to have his name known".
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