A Steep Climb: From War Orphan to Queen's Medal is an inspiring memoir by Rusty Rutherford that chronicles an extraordinary journey of resilience, determination, and triumph.

This book chronicles the author’s life from war torn England, through the separation from his family and the trials and hardships of orphanages and foster homes. It is the story of a little boy growing up without the love and nurturing of a caring family. He quit school at the age of sixteen to make his own way in the world, finally settling on a career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Rusty Rutherford retired from the RCAF as a Warrant Officer in 1982 and was honored with the Order of Military Merit for his exemplary military and community service. Resident of Portage la Prairie, Rusty is a champion waterfowl carver whose carvings have won ribbons at competitions in Canada and the USA, including at the Ward World Championships. He has always been active in community affairs and was extremely proud to be presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. This book is his personal story with the purpose of relating one of the least recorded effects of war on the children.