Kearney, James Timothy

Date of birth:: March 1916
Date of death:: February 1954
Service number:: Au. 400091
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 31 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (Royal Australian Air Force, No. 31 Squadron)
Awarded on:: October 19th, 1943

Recommendation:
"Flying Officer Kearney, after having served as a Flying Instructor and Staff Pilot since 12 January 1941, has been actively engaged on operational flying since November 1942. He has participated in 13 raids on Timor and Islands to the North of Australia and in course of attacks led by him the Squadron has destroyed nine aircraft and damaged another five. On three occasions whilst taking part in attacks on the enemy aerodrome at Penfoei, Timor, his aircraft has been subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire and attacked by enemy fighters. On 31 May 1943, a Flight of five Beaufighters led by Flying Office Kearney in an attack on Langgeer was intercepted by three enemy fighters and pursued and engaged by four more enemy fighters on their return. During an engagement lasting for half an hour, Flying Officer Kearney was successful in shooting down one enemy fighter and destroyed a further two aircraft by strafing. The courage, determination and enthusiasm displayed by this Officer in engaging the enemy has proved an inspiration to all members of his Squadron and is worthy of the highest praise".