AIRMEN DECORATED

Evening Star, Issue 25004, 25 October 1943, Page 5

AIRMEN DECORATED

22 AWARDS ANNOUNCED TWO TO OTACO fP.A.) 'WELLINGTON;' October 24. Twenty-two awards to members or the R.N.Z.A.F. serving overseas arc announced in official advioe received from London by the Air Department, Wellington. Three of the men have received their .second decorations. The actions mentioned in the awards cover operations in the European, Middle East, and 'Burmese theatres of Avar. The recipients are : ' OTAGO. —Distinguished Service Older.— Kofoed, Acting Squadron-leader William Robert (D.F.C.); father, Mr W.J. Kofoed, Outrain. —Distinguished Flying Cross.—

Butler, Acting Flight-lieutenant Lloyd Harry; father, Mr J. G. Butler. Dunedin. The citations state:

" Squadron-leader Kofoed, on his second tour of duty after completing a tour of operations against objectives in Europe and the Middle East, has attacked such targets as Palermo and Catania and flown over the battle areas in the Tunisian campaign. On a sortie over Palermo a photograph flash exploded in the fuselage of his aircraft.

which ,was badly damaged. By superb handling, however, Squadron-leader Kofoed ilew the aircraft safely to his base—-an eight-hour ilight. His determination in identifying and attacking selected targets, even in poor visibility and in the face of intense opposition, ,has been inspiring to the crews of his squadron." " Flight-lieutenant Butler on his first operational tour has displayed exceptional ability as a cool and determined pilot and captain of aircraft. His efficiency has been reflected in the admirable co-operation among his crew and

in the photographs he has obtained. Although handicapped by engine trouble on several flights, he hasalways displayed good judgment and skill." | •Flight-lieutenant Butler, who is 26 years'old, was educated at the Otago Boys' High School, and after matriculating was employed for a time in the office of Messrs E. J. Smith and Lousley, solicitors, and later in that of Messrs John McGregor and Co. studied accountancy at the University of Otago. He was a keen yachtsman before the war, and was also interested in flying. He ; joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in November,' 1039. He gained his commission in New Zealand, and then proceeded to England to join an operational unit.

OTHER DISTRICTS. —Distinguished Service Order.— McKay,' Acting Wing-commander John James (D.F.C.); father, Major J. G. McKay, Nelson. ' —Distinguished Flying Cross.—

Joll, Acting Squadron-leader Jack (D.E.M.); father, Mr J. S. Joll, New Plymouth. Qumlan, Acting Squadron-.eader Brian Boy; father, Mr E. \\. Quinlan, "Rotorua. Jeniler, Flight-lieutenant Kenneth Sydney;, father, Mr F. W. B. Jenner, Morriusville.

Poryer, Acting Flight - lieutenant Stanley Maurice George; father, Mr S. M. Poryer, Christchurch. Brookbanks, Acting Flight-lieutenant Raymond Herbert; father, Mr F. 0. Brookbanks, Auckland. McGrath, Acting Flight-lieutenant Athol Larry; wife, Mrs A. L. McGrath, Christchurch. . lirown, Acting Flight-lieutenant William Thomson; wife, Mrs C. Brown, Tiniarii.

Macfarlane, Flying-officer Alexander Arthur; wife, Mrs A. A. Macfarlane. Rotherlnun. '

I/rew, Flying-officer Alfred Sydney; father. Mr A. S. Drew, Auckland. Flving-oflicer Harold John; father, Mr W. F. Sheild, Patea. Williams, Pilot-officer Hilton Clifford; father, Mr If. T, Williams. Woodville.

Campbell, Pilot - officer Kenneth James; mother, Mrs 1. J. Aitken, Wellington. Whitelaw. Pilot-officer Alan; father, Mr H. J. Whitelaw, Wellington. Carter,. Pilot-officer Maurice Ailington; father, Mr R. L. L. Carter, Hastings. Reynolds. Pilot-officer Raymond Clifford;' father, Mr C. Reynolds, Wellington. Barnhani, Acting Warrant Officer James Edward; father, Mi'H. J. Barnham, New Plymouth. —Distinguished Flying Medal. — O'Reilly, Pilot-officer (formerly Flight-sergeant) Edward Desmond; wife, Mrs X. O'Reilly, Auckland. Men/.ics, Flight-sergeant Patrick; uncle. Mr K. Laredo, Hastings. Devine. Pilot-officer (formerly. Sergeant) Peter; step-sister, Mrs L. Morati Ward, Marlborough.