R.N.Z.A.F. AWARDS

Grey River Argus, 20 June 1945, Page 5

R.N.Z.A.F. AWARDS

1,345 HONOURS AND AWARDS. P.A. WELLINGTON, June 19. Since the outbreak of war, 1345 honours and awards have been won by members of the R.N.Z.A.F. That figure is correct to June 16. It excludes mentions in despatches, which total 245, comprising, 164 in the European zone, and 81 in the Pacific. New Zealand airmen in the Pacific have won 30 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and a total of 75 awards have been gained in that, area, including 19 American decorations.

The D.S'.O. has been gained by 67 airmen, four of whom received bars. In Europe and the Middle East, 770 airmen won the D.F.C., 70 received bars to it, and four gained the unique honour of winning two bars. The D.F.M. was won by 168 airmen in the European zone, and seven in the Pacific. Only one bar was received to this decoration. The Air Force Cross was won by 67 members of the R.N.Z.A.F., and two bars to it were won. The Air Force Medal was awarded five times. Two members of tlie R.N.Z.A.F. <von the Victoria Cross. Other decorations include four George Medals, and five Conspicuous Gallantry- Medals.