MEDAL AWARDED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 86, 8 October 1943, Page 4

MEDAL AWARDED

CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY

Three non-commissioned air crew members of the . R.N.Z.A.F. are the latest to distinguish themselves overseas. One has been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, which is the second only to be given to a.member of the R.N.Z.A.F. } The awards are as follows:— Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.—Flight Sergeant Osric Hartnell White. Mr. G. H. White, 11 Cliffs Street, Monck's Bay, Sumner, Christchurch (1). Distinguished Flying Medal.—Flight Sergeant Alan John Rhodes. Mrs. R. M. Rhodes, Tomorata, Wellsford, North Auckland (m.). Mentioned in Dispatches.—Warrant Officer Ralph Joffre Kennedy. Mr. T. Kennedy, 55 Lawrence Street, lonwood, Christchurch (f.). The citation accompanying Flight Sergeght White's award states: — "WHght Sergeant White was pilot of an aircraft detailed to attack Berlin by night in August last. When neanng the target, his aircraft was illuminated by searchlights and repeatedly hit by anti-aircraft fire, sustaining damage to the port main plane. Despite this, Flight Sergeant White continued-bomb-ing, but was attacked by a fighterbomber, being hit by the attacker's gunfire, which wrecked the rear turret, killing the gunner, and causing the aircraft to dive put of: control directly over the target.: Nevertheless, the flight sergeant released his bombs and succeeded in regaining control of the aircraft. Considerable height had been lost, but coolly and skilfully Flight Sergeant White, flew clear of the target area and set his course for base. Much of the. essential equipment had been rendered use-. less, but with unerring skill Flight Sergeant White flew the badly- damaged bomber back to base. His courage, tenacity' and devotion to duty have set an. example of the highest older" y ; v