Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 428 (Ghost) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force

Awarded on:

June 16th, 1944

Citation:
"This officer has completed a tour of operations during which he has taken part in attacks on a variety of targets important to the enemy's war effort. Throughout, he has displayed high qualities of zeal and resolution and his engineering skill has played a worthy part in the successes obtained.
During a recent sortie his aircraft was hit by bullets from a fighter and caught fire. Coolly and resourcefully, Sergeant Carrigan helped to extinguish the flames and afterwards assisted in navigating the aircraft home in addition to executing his normal engineering tasks. His exemplary conduct at all times has been most commendable."

Recommendation (May 20th, 1944):
"Sergeant Carrigan has completed many sorties as Flight Engineer against targets in Germany and France including Nuremberg, Munich, Berlin, Mannheim, Hanover, Kassel and Caen besides mine-laying operations. He has always remained cool and efficient in his duties, often under very difficult conditions. His aircraft has been attacked on several occasions and on the night of 20th April 1944, was set on fire. After helping to put out the fire, he assisted other crew members in navigating the aircraft to safe territory besides carrying out his normal duties. In the subsequent crash-landing, Sergeant Carrigan was seriously injured, sustaining concussion, abrasions and lacerations. His efficiency, initiative and quick action during this incident are commendable and I consider him worthy of an immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal."