Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Warrant Officer

Unit:

No. 570 Squadron, Royal Air Force

On the night of 5th June 1944, Warrant Officer Balmer was the pilot of an aircraft detailed to transport and drop a force of paratroops whose role was to prepare and illuminate a landing zone for the use of later airborne forces representing a spearhead of the Allied invasion of Northern France. Much depended on the success of his important mission and the result obtained reflects the greatest credit on the skill and determination of this pilot. Warrant Officer Balmer has completed several sorties and his example of keenness and devotion to duty has been most commendable.