Airman Decorated For Splendid Work In the Middle East

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1942, Page 4

Airman Decorated For Splendid Work In the Middle East

Press Assn.

Wellington, Last Night.

Official advice has been received tnat Flight-Sergeant Ernest Leslie Joyce, R.N.Z.A.F., has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal. Flight-Sergeant Joyce was born at Hamilton and was educated at the Marist Brothers' school there. He joined the air force at the outbreak of tlie war. His mother is Mrs. C. Joyce, Hamilton. "During a long and continuous period of service," says the citation accompanying the award, "Flight-Sergeant Joyce has performed splendid work. One night he participated in an attack on an aerodrome at Mattubaom. Despite heavy fire, he machine-gunned dispersed aircraft on the ground from 50 feet. On another night he observed a Junkers 88 flying 400 feet above. him. He closed in on the rear of the enemy aircraft and, countering violent evasive action, shot down the enemy from close range. He has destroyed at least five enemy aircraft, two at night. Throughout his operational career he has displayed great> gallantry, tenacity and devotion to duty." The citation accompanying the award of the Distguished Service Order to acting Squadron Leader Arthur Ashworth, D.F.C., R.A.F., of Alexandra, states: "Throughout numerous sorties, many in the Middle East, he has displayed utter fearlessness and magnificent determination to reach and bomb his allotted target despite odds. His great qkill and efficiency as captain of an aircraft have been an excellent example and stimulus to the entire squadron."