Cowan, William James Henry

Date of birth:: (Chicago/Illinois, United States)
Service number:: J88515
Nationality:: Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

William Cowan enlisted in his home town Toronto on 29 June 1942, trained at No.3 Wireless School (graduated 16 April 1943) and No.7 Bombing and Gunnery School (graduated 11 June 1943).

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Pilot Officer
Unit:: No. 433 (Porcupine) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: December 12th, 1944

Recommendation:
"This officer, the Wireless Operator of the crew captained by Pilot Officer F.J. Devine, DFC, has now completed his first tour of operations comprised of thirty-three trips over enemy territory. Throughout his tour he has consistently displayed a high degree of courage, skill and initiative and has proven himself to be an outstanding member of a gallant crew.

Pilot Officer Cowan has also greatly strengthened the hand of the Signals leader of this Squadron when on the ground, his keenness, energy and reliability being a constant source of inspiration to his fellow Wireless Operators.

I consider his splendid record of achievement fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate)./;

At the time of the recommendation Cowan had completed 33 sorties (153 hours 55 minutes), 18 April to 28 August 1944.