AMERICAN AIR AWARDS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 12, 9 October 1943, Page 6

AMERICAN AIR AWARDS

Three New Zealanders Decorated

EXPLOITS IN THE PACIFIC

Recognition of the sterling work being performed by members of the Koyal Zealand Air Force serving, m the 1 aeilic war zone is given by the official announcement that the President ot the United States of America has awarded Air Medals to two officers and an airman. The awards were made for meritorious achievements while the New Zealanders were participating in aerial engagements in the Solomons area during May anti June of this year. The personnel couttFHgh‘tU Lieutenant Douglas Alexander Greig, R.N.Z.A.F. (father, Mr. A. MGreig, 16 Adam Street, Greenlane, AuckFlight Lieutenant Sholto Russell Duncan, R.N.Z.A.F.’ (father, Mr H. KDuncan. Hardy Street, Nelson). Flight Sergeant Robert Lloyd Martin (father, Mr. R. L. Martin, le lake). Citations are as follows: “During a period of intense activity, Flight Lieutenant Greig took part m numerous patrols, escorting missions task force covers and one strafing attack o a hostile destroyer, despite heavy concentrations of enemy anti-aircraft opposition. On one occasion, operating with a gioup of our fighters on an interception ovtg Russell Islands, he observed an enemy Zero closing in on the tail of a plane and immediately launched a furious attack When the hostile aircraft attempted to escape, Greig followed it .down in an almost vertical dive and continued his relentless firing till his opponent crashed in flames. His excellent marksmanship and outstanding professional skill contributed greatly to the success of a vital mission.” ~ .. “During a period of intense activity, Flight Lieutenant Dunean took part m numerous escort bombing missions, routine patrols, task force covers and one strafing attack frequently m the face of concentrated anti-aircraft hie. un one occasion, after intercepting an enemy fighter, he doggedly pursued his target and, closing in dead astern to 50 yaids opened fire. In the ensuing action his deadlv stream of fire severed the tail section of the Zero and sent th ® f p a PS? ] |®® nlane crashing into the sea. His sk.ltul airmanship and determined fighting spirit contributed materially to the success ot th “Duriiig O a S period of intense activity, Flight Sergeant Martin took part in numerous escort bombing missions, routine patrols, task force covers and one strafin, attack, flying frequently in the face of concentrated anti-aircraft fire. On _ one occasion, after sighting three enemy fi=Lr ers heading toward his group from abeam, he dropped back to protect his flight leader and, taking advantage of the enemy’s attack manoeuvre fired direct y into the Zero’s cockpit, causing the Japanese plane to explode and burst into flames. His skilful airmanship and determined fighting spirit contributed materially to the success of these vital missions.”- -