AMERICAN DECORATIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25364, 23 October 1943, Page 4

AMERICAN DECORATIONS

TWO NEW ZEALAND AIRMEN FIRST IMMEDIATE AWARDS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 22. The first two immediate awards of the American Distingushed Flying Cross to New Zealanders serving in the South Pacific area have been made by the United States authorities. Both the men honoured were members of the same Dominion fighter squadron which has just completed a tour of duty in the area. The recipients are Flying Officer M. T. Vanderpump, of Wairoa, and Flight Sergeant J. E. Miller, of Waihi.

The citations state that Flying Officer Vanderpump was responsible for an extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. On September 3, while returning from a raid on an enemy aerodrome, one of the heavy bombers experienced engine trouble and was lagging about a mile and a-half behind the formation. In response to a call for assistance from this disabled bomber Flying Officer Vanderpump and his wingman fell back and were so successful in protective manoeuvres that approximately 10 attacking Japanese fighters were driven off and the heavy bomber returned to its base without further incident. Flying Officer Vanderpump’s outstanding flying ability and determination to attack the enemy contributed greatly to the safe return of the friendly bomber and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Allied air forces. In Flight Sergeant Miller’s case the citation states that the award was made for an extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. He was pilot of a P4O aeroplane that was escorting heavy bombers on a raid on an enemy aerodrome on September 3. On the return trip one of the bombers was attacked by approximately 10 Zeroes and radioed for help. Flight Sergeant Miller and another New Zealand pilot dropped back and so successfully manoeuvred that the enemy aircraft were driven off. His actions in this engagement reflect great credit on the traditions of the Allied air forces. Other New Zealand pilots have received the American Distinguished Flying Cross, but these were tne first immediate awards.