AMERICAN DECORATION

Evening Star, Issue 25180, 20 May 1944, Page 8

AMERICAN DECORATION

GALLANT H.I. FIGHTER PILOT

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 19. Allied recognition of the exploits of Flying-officer (Rex Alexander Weber, R.N.Z.A.F.. has been shown by the award of the United States Air Medal to this New Zealand fighter pilot, according to advice received by the Air Department. The citation states that the award was conferred for his meritorious achievements as a member of a fighter patrol in action against the Japanese forces over New Georgia Island on July 1. 1943. " Contacting enemy aircraft 1 while flying with his formation, Weber tailed a'Japanese Zero to a point within a range of 10yds, and opened with a hurst of fire which destroyed the hostile aircraft in mid-air," said the citation. " Pursuing his aggressive tactics, he intercepted and destroyed another enemy fighter in the same engagement. His gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty throughout this action and during previous missions contributed materially to the success of our forces in this important area." Weber is a veteran of the Malayan campaign, in which he damaged three Japanese aircraft, two of which were probably destroyed. Since then he has flown with New Zealand fighter squadrons in the Pacific. Aged 29, Weber was born at Wellington. His wife. Mrs J. Weber, lives at Auckland.