PAREORA MAN’S HIGH AWARD

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23880, 24 February 1943, Page 2

PAREORA MAN’S HIGH AWARD

CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY

MEDAL

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, February 23. The first award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal to a member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force has been made to Flight Sergeant Leslie Bruce Wallace, formerly of Pareora, South Canterbury. The award has a high place in the list of medals awarded for gallantry and distinguished conduct. The citation says that last December Flight Sergeant Wallace was wireless operator in an aircraft making a nignt attack on Munich. During the outward flight the aeroplane was intercepted by an enemy fighter. The bomb aimer was seriously wounded and Flight Sergeant Wallace received a ieg wound. Flares being carried in the aircraft caught alight and set fire to everything that would burn below the mid-upper gunner’s turret. In spite of ftis injury and showing complete disregard for personal danger, Flight Sergeant' Wallace attempted to quell the flames. His action in jettisoning moveable, burning equipment finally resulted in the fire being subdued. Flight Sergeant Wallace on the homeward flight showed great skill in obtaining fixes, signalling, and doing everything possible to assist the pilot fly the damaged machine back to its base. He has completed numerous sorties, displaying great skill as an air bomber and front gunner.” Flight Sergeant Wallace, who is 24 yesirs old, was born at Darfleld and educated at the Pareora East School. He was a member of the Railway Department staff until he entered the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940. He volunteered for Air Force service rhcrtly after the war broke out. His father is Mr A. R. Wallace, of Pareora.