Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Royal Australian Air Force

Awarded on:

July 15th, 1941

Citaiton:
"This airman was the observer in a Wirraway aircraft which crashed and burst into flames when the pilot failed to make a successful forced landing necessitated by engine failure. The flames enveloped the whole of the fuselage. Sergeant Ellis ecaped with a dislocated shoulder, abraisions to his face and arms and slight burns, but the pilot was trapped. In spite of his injuries, Sergeant Ellis re-entered the flaming aircraft, released the pilot and assisted him to escape. This most courageous act did not unfortunately save the pilot's life and the additional severe burns which Sergeant Ellis sustained almost proved fatal."

London Gazette, dated 15 July 1941.