N.Z. AIRMAN HONOURED

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1943, Page 6

N.Z. AIRMAN HONOURED

CONSPICUOUS GALLANTRY MEDAL.

P A WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. The first award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal to a membei of the R.N.Z.A.F. has been made to Flight Sergeant Lesfie Bruce Wallace. formerly of Pa^ eo h ia ’ South Canterbury. The award has a mgn place in the list of medals awarded f °The e citation states: “In December last, Flight Sergeant Wallace was the wireless operator in an airciat making a night a }tack on Municl . During the outward flight the plane was intercepted by an enemy The bomber was seriously wounded and Wallace sustained a leg wound. Some flares being carried in the aircraft caught alight and set Ine to everything that would burn below the mid-upper gunners tunet. De ■spite his injury, and showing plete disregard of personal danger, Wallace attempted to quell the •flames. His action in jettisoning the moveable burning equipment finally resulted in the fire being subdued Wallace on the homeward flight showed great skill in obtaining fixed signalling and doing everything possible to assist the pilot to fly the damaged machine back to its base. This airman has completed numerous sorties and displayed great skill as an air bomber and front gunner. Wallace, who is twenty-four years old was born in Darfield, and educated at Pareora East School. He was a member of the Railway Departmen until entering the R.N.Z.A.F. In 1940, he volunteered for air force service, shortly after the war broke out. His father is Mr A. R. Wallace, of Pareora.