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The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to other ranks, of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy".
The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) was the air arm of the British Army before and during the First World War until it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force. During the early part of the war, the RFC supported the British Army by artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance. This work gradually led RFC pilots into aerial battles with German pilots and later in the war included the strafing of enemy infantry and emplacements, the bombing of German military airfields and later the strategic bombing of German industrial and transport facilities.
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and extraordinary achievement are entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine. The medal may be awarded to friendly foreign military members in ranks equivalent to U.S. Pay Grade of O-6 and below, in actual combat in support operations.
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Francis Warrington Gillet was an American flying ace who served in both the American and British armed forces as a pilot during World War I. With 20 credited aerial victories he was the highest scoring pilot flying the Sopwith Dolphin, and the second highest scoring American, only surpassed by Eddie Rickenbacker.
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Ian Kingston Pembroke Cross, was a British Royal Air Force officer and bomber pilot who was taken prisoner during the Second World War. Notable for his part in the 'Great Escape' from Stalag Luft III in March 1944 when he was one of the men recaptured and subsequently murdered by the Gestapo.
James Atterby McCairns, was an English pilot with the Royal Air Force. He flew the Supermarine Spitfire fighter before becoming a prisoner of war, escaping and returning to England. He returned to active service as a "special duties" pilot working with Special Operations Executive, carrying agents to and from occupied France, before returning to combat in 1945 as a successful fighter pilot. He was decorated for gallantry five times and was killed in an air crash in 1948.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Second Lieutenant Lawrence Arthur Wingfield M.C., D.F.C., R.F.C. and R.A.F." sussexhistoryforum.co.uk. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ↑ "Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators of the British Empire - Graces Guide". www.gracesguide.co.uk. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ↑ "Archives at Cobham House" (PDF). Guild News (171): 16. October 2008.
- ↑ "Private Papers of Lieutenant L A Wingfield MC DFC". Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
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