Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 419 (Moose) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

July 7th, 1942

"One night in June 1942, Flight Sergeants Swanson and Crosby were captain and wireless operator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Essen. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. Despite this, bombs were released. On the return journey the aircraft was hit on several occasions by shell fire from the ground defences. On nearing Antwerp it was attacked by an enemy fighter, the fire from which set the underside of the fuselage on fire. Flight Sergeant Crosby rendered valuable assistance in extinguishing the fire, then attended to the second pilot who had been seriously wounded. Meanwhile the aircraft had lost height from 15,000 to 200 feet. The bomb doors had dropped open and the landing wheels were in the down position. With great resolution Flight Sergeant Swanson continued on his course and succeeded in flying the damaged aircraft back to its base. His skill and devotion to duty were largely responsible for the safe return journey, while the conduct and coolness of Flight Sergeant Crosby in harassing circumstances were highly commendable."