BRAVERY IN AIR

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 192, 12 May 1944, Page 6

BRAVERY IN AIR

Awards Of D.S.O. And D.F.C. 'N.Z. RECIPIENTS . Exemplary skill, courage, and resolution shown during five attacks on Berlin and three on Hanover have won the Distinguished Service Order for Acting Squadron Leader Dent) is Miller, D.F.C., Auckland, according to official advice received by Air Department, Wellington. News has also been received of the award of the. Distinguished Flying Cross to Flight’ Lieutenant F. K. Moynihan, R.N.Z.A.F., formerly of Nelson, for his part in successful torpedo attacks from the air. The citation to the award to Squadron Leader Miller states that since he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, he has completed many sorties, including five attacks against Berlin and three against Hanover, throughout which he displayed a high degree of skill, courage, and resb* lution. In April of this year, he piloted an aircraft detailed for a mine-laying mission, and, in spite of fire from armed ships and shore batteries. .Squadron Leader Miller executed his task with great precision and afterward completed the long flight home safely. “His example has been worthy of emulation,” the citation adds. . fSquadron Leader Miller, who is 25?. joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in July, IMO. On the completion of his training he was commissioned as a pilot officer, and on February S, 1042, that rank was confirmed and he was promoted to flying officer. A year later,he was made an acting-flight lieutenant. He was awarded the D.F.C. in June, 1942, for outstanding courage in attacks on Nnalov Island, the Buna factory at Huis, and the Renault works at Paris. Squadron Leader Miller was ,born in Auckland and received his secondary education nt the Auckland Grammar School, He took an active interest In swimming, athletics and Rugby football. Before his enlistment he was employed by tile Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company. His father Is Mr. M. H. Miller, 301 Taniaki Drive, Auckland.] The citation accompanying the award to Flight Lieutenant Moynihan, states that he had taken part in successful torpedo attacks, during which he himself had scored at least two hits. "In January, 1944,” the citation continues, “his aircraft was one of a formation sent to attack an enemy convoy, off Lister, Norway. After delivering a successful attack. Flight .Lieutenant Moynihan's aircraft served as protection to other, bombers which were attacking a large enemy vessel. His fine fighting tactics and courage played no small part in the success of this operation. At all times Flight Lieutenant Moynihan has displayed initiative, skill, and courage of a high order.” (Flight Lieutenant Moynihan, who Is a son of Mr. IV. J. Moynihan. Collingwood Street, Nelson, was born in Nelson, where he received most, of his education. He was a keen yachtsman. Before hie enlistment in tlie R.N.Z.A.F. he was employed in the Slate Fire Office nt Nelson.]