Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

November 10th, 1942

Citation:
"One night in October, 1942, Sergeants Chretien and Carlon were pilot and navigator respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Kiel. Whilst over the target area, anti-aircraft fire was encountered and Sergeant Chretien was wounded in the neck.
Although bleeding profusely, he bravely remained at his post, ordered his bombs to be released and skilfully piloted his aircraft from the fire zone. On the return flight Sergeant Carlon, with great forethought, tended and assisted his wounded captain whilst skilfully navigating his aircraft on its course.
When nearing base Sergeant Chretien, who had been resting, resumed the controls and despite his injuries succeeded in landing the aircraft safely.
Both these airmen displayed high courage and devotion to duty."

Recommendation:
"Sergeant Carlon was navigator on the night of 13th October 1942 over Kiel when his pilot, Sergeant Chretien, was badly wounded in the neck by flak. This Non-Commissioned Officer at once realized the seriousness of the situation and assumed directional control. He watched and tended the pilot very carefully and at the same time made sure that all other members of the crew were kept busy with various tasks. Once over the enemy coast he induced the pilot to sit back and rest while the aircraft was flown back to within five miles of base on the automatic pilot. The navigation he carried out between times was by a northerly route in order to minimize the risk of fighter interception. This he did with such skill that the crew as a whole became confident of a successful conclusion to their trip.
With nicely judged psychology he kept his pilot on oxygen and free from physical effort throughout the return and finally in the approach and landing arranged for physical assistance on the control column by the flight engineer and himself helped with the throttles.
Sergeant Carlon has already displayed such coolness and resolution as a member of his crew that they esteem it a great privilege to have him with them. This episode amply shows that he possesses very considerable powers of leadership. For such courage and initiative he is strongly recommended for the Distinguished Flying Medal."

LG 35777/4867 (10 November 1942).
LG 35777/4868 (10 November 1942).
AFRO 1870/42 (20 November 1942).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded with clasp for overseas service.