Pentland, Alexander Augustus Norman Dudley "Jerry"

Date of birth:: August 5th, 1894 (Maitland/New South Wales, Australia)
Date of death:: November 3rd, 1983 (Collaroy/New South Wales, Australia)
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

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Military Cross (MC)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Temporary Second-Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 19 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps
Awarded on:: January 9th, 1918

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On a recent occasion he flew to an aerodrome fifteen miles behind the enemy lines, descended to within twenty feet of the ground, and fired into eight hostile machines. On his return journey he attacked a train with considerable effect from a low altitude. He has in addition brought down several enemy machines, and has always set a splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty in attacking enemy balloons and troops on the ground."

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: No. 87 (United Provinces) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: August 3rd, 1918

"A gallant flight commander, who in the last three months has destroyed two enemy machines and driven down four out of control. Recently, whilst on special patrol, he, single-handed, attacked four enemy aeroplanes; having driven down one out of control, he engaged the leader, damaged his engine, and compelled him to glide to his lines. One of the remaining machines followed the leader, but he attacked the other and drove it down in a steep dive."

Air Force Cross (AFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 8 Communication Unit, Royal Australian Air Force
Awarded on:: February 22nd, 1946

"Squadron Leader PENTLAND has, at all times, displayed outstanding courage, initiative and skill, and these qualities, together with his excellent knowledge of New Guinea and its climatic conditions, have made his services invaluable, not only to the R.A.A.F., but to the U.S. Army Air Forces and the New Guinea Forces as well."