AMERICAN D.F.C.

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 125, 23 November 1944, Page 5

AMERICAN D.F.C.

NEW ZEALAND PILOT

OUTSTANDING RECORD

The American Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to Flight Lieutenant Robert H. Balfour, D.F.C., of Waimate, for forceful and inspiring leadership in the Pacific air war. The presentation of the award was made by Captain Lloyd Gray, United States Naval Attache, at the R.N.Z.AF stai, l?^! 4 . digram, yesterday afternoon. Flight Lieutenant Balfour is the second R.N.Z.A.F. pilot to win both the British arid American Distinguished Flying Crosses in the Pacific. The first pilot to do so was Squadron Leader M. T. Vanderpump, D.F.C. Completing three tours in the Pacific, the last as commanding officer of a fighter squadron, Flight Lieutenant Balfour is credited with the destruction of four and a half Japanese aircraft.

The citation to his latest award states that it is made for "heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot and flight commander of a fighter squadron in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area during the period October 17 to November 27, 1943 and January 25 to February 10, 1944. Courageous and daring in the face of severe anti-aircraft and aerial opposition, Flight Lieutenant Balfour led his flight into combat, boldly engaging the enemy despite numerically superior forces.

"Carrying out powerful strikes over Bougainville in November, he personally shot down three Japanese aircraft and shared in the destruction of another enemy plane, bringing his flight through intact." The citation adds: "By his forceful and inspiring leadership and his gallant fighting spirit against overwhelming odds, Flight Lieutenant Balfour contributed materially to the success of his squadron in the fulfilment of numerous hazardous missions over Japanese territory."

Flight Lieutenant Balfour was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross in February of this year.

Born at Waimate on April 19, 1917, Flight Lieutenant Balfour began his career in the R.N.Z.A.F. when he was accepted for training in April, 1940. His experience is at present being utilised for instructional work, and he is a flight commander at Wigram. His mother, Mrs. A. W. Balfour, formerly of Waimate. and his wife, Mrs. J. S. Balfour, reside at Timaru.