Date of birth:

April 20th, 1920

Service number:

949209/109664

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

John Chester Button was Squadron Leader of No. 193 Squadron from D-Day - June 6th, 1944 to August 24th, 1944, later took over as Wing Commander of No. 123 Wing in January 1945.

Promotions:
?: Leading Aircraftman;
November 22nd, 1941: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
August 15th, 1942: Flying Officer (war subs.);
August 16th, 1943: Flight Lieutenant (war subs.);
April 14th, 1945: Squadron Leader (war subs.);
September 1st, 1945: Flight Lieutenant (permanent, seniority September 1st, 1945);
January 1st, 1952: Squadron Leader;
July 1st, 1958: Wing Commander;
?: Acting Group Captain;
November 27th, 1964: Group Captain.

Career:
June 6th, 1944 - August 24th, 1944: Squadron Leader No. 193 Squadron;
January 1945: Wing Commander No. 123 Wing;
November 27th, 1964: Retirement.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 193 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 17th, 1944

Citation:
"This officer leads a squadron which has achieved many conspicuous successes. Before the landings in Normandy he participated in attacks on heavily defended Radar stations, the elimination of which was vital to the success of the landings. Since then he has led many attacks on ground targets, including ammunition dumps, enemy Headquarters,
bridges and transport. His brilliant leadership and selfless devotion to duty have been an inspiration to all members of the squadron he commands."

Published in The London Gazette dated 17th November 1944.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

May 15th, 1945

Permission to wear the decoration granted on May 15th, 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

July 24th, 1945

Citational text:
"Button has led his wing in an outstanding manner throughout the intensive period of operations since January 1945. In February 1945 his wing gave the closest possible support to the army in Hochswald and Reichswald areas where, in spite of intense anti-aircraft opposition many strong-points gun positions and enemy concentrations were successfully attacked under his leadership.
During March 1945, Button led rocket and bombing attacks on at least nine enemy headquarters. During the crossing of the Rhine his wing was detailed to operate against enemy anti-aircraft guns. His courage and keenness during this operation was an inspiration to all under his command.
Button has also taken part in attacks on enemy shipping. He has set a fine example of initiative and courage in action."

Published in The London Gazette dated 24th July 1945.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Unit:

Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

April 21st, 1947

• Photo 1: John D-E
• Photo: John Dawson-Edwards
  
• - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
  - The London Gazette of 30th December 1941, Issue 35398
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 13th October 1942, Issue 35747, dated 16th October 1942
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 7th September 1943, Issue 36165, dated 10th September 1943
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 14th November 1944, Issue 36799, dated 17th November 1944
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 11th May 1945, Issue 37080, dated 15th May 1945
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 5th June 1945, Issue 37114, dated 8th June 1945
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of 20th July 1945, Issue 37193, dated 24th July 1945
  - The London Gazette of 20th June 1947, Issue 37992
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 3rd October 1947, Issue 38090, dated 7th October 1947
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 16th January 1948, Issue 38181, dated 20th January 1948
  - Ninth Supplement to The London Gazette of 28th December 1951, Issue 39429, dated 1st January 1952
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 27th June 1958, Issue 41433, dated 1st July 1958
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 1st January 1965, Issue 43541, dated 5th January 1965
  - The Dutch Medals Page