VALIANT DEEDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 July 1943, Page 3

VALIANT DEEDS

4 OF NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN DECORATIONS AWARDED. D.F.M. FOR EKETAHUNA MAN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Decorations for bravery when their aircraft were on fire have been awarded to two New Zealand airmen. Sergeant Hamish Wilson, Paeroa , receives the George Medal for his part in rescuing an injured comrade trapped in a burning bomber on the ground, and Sergeant Edward Henry Smith, Eketahuna. wins the Distinguished Flying Medal for fighting fire in an aircraft attacking a blockade runner. News of their deeds is contained in official advice received by the Air Department, Wellington, from London. This is the fouth George Medal awarded to New Zealand airmen. Sergeant Smith was wireless operator of an aircraft sent to attack a heavily escorted blockade runner in the Bay of Biscay. “In the attack,” the citation records, “the aircraft was hit and set on fire. Flames and smoke appeared inside the fuselage. Sergeant Smith attacked the flames and eventually put them out, though parts of the aircraft were still smouldering. Though scorched about the hands and face. Sergeant Smith got the fire under control and the aircraft returned safely. He has shown unswerving courage and devotion to duty.” Sergeant Smith’s father is Mr C. J. Smith, R.D., Konini, Pahiatua. A pilot in the New Zealand Beaufighter squadron since August, 1940, and subsequently commander, Acting Squadron Leader Gage Darwent Sise, D.F.C., of Dunedin, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his keen and efficient leadership. He has led the squadron in attacks on enemy shipping in which seven large merchantmen have been destroyed.