Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer

Unit:

No. 575 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 31st, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
In September, 1944, Flying Officer McKinley and Warrant Officer Smith were navigator and map reader respectively in an aircraft detailed for a glider towing mission. The target was in Holland.
When over enemy positions the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The pilot was killed and Flying Officer McKinley was wounded. Despite this, he unhesitatingly went to assist his comrade, Warrant
Officer Smith who, with great promptitude and resource had taken over the controls and was keeping the aircraft on its course towards the target.
The glider had been badly damaged and later its pilot was compelled to release. Warrant Officer Smith afterwards flew the aircraft back to an airfield where he effected a landing without incurring
any further damage to the aircraft. Throughout the return flight, Flying Officer McKinley, though suffering much pain, displayed the greatest determination and his accurate navigation was an important factor in the safe return of the aircraft. These members of aircraft crew set a fine example of courage and resource in the face of great difficulties."