AMERICAN AWARD

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 199, 20 May 1944, Page 6

AMERICAN AWARD

Gallant Exploits Of New Zealand Airman Allied recognition of the exploits ot Flying Officer Rex Alexander Weber. R.N.Z.A.F., has been shown by the award of the United States Air Medal to this New Zealand fighter pilot, according to advice received b.v the Air Department. Wellington. Aged 29, Flying Officer Weber was born in Wellington. His wile, Mrs. J. Weber, lives at Marina Gardens, Mount Eden. Auckland. The citation states that the award has been conferred for his meritorious achievements as a member of a fighter patrol in action against Japanese forces over New Georgia Island on July 1, 1J4... “Contacting enemy aircraft while flying with his formation. Flying Officer Weber tailed a Japanese Zero to a point within a range of 10 yards and opened with a burst of fire which destroyed the hostile aircraft in mid-air.” continues the citation. “Pursuing his aggressive tactics, he intercepted and destroyed another enemy fighter in the same engagement. His gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty throughout this action and during previous missions contributed materially to the success of our forces in this important area.” Flying Officer Weber is a veteran of the Malayan campaign, in which be damaged three Japanese aircraft, two of which were probably destroyed. Since then he has flown with New Zealand .fighter squadrons in the Pacific-