- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 419 (Moose) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 22nd, 1942
"This airman is an observer of exceptional merit. Throughout his operational tour he has displayed both efficiency and coolness which has been of the greatest assistance to his captain. One night in June 1942, during an attack against Essen, his aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. It was also attacked by an enemy fighter. The underside of the fuselage from the front turret to the observer's table caught fire but in spite of the imminent danger to the whole crew and the possibility that he would fall through the badly burned bottom of the fuselage, Flight Sergeant Brichta immediately attempted to extinguish the flames. His subsequent accurate navigation played a large part in the eventual safe return of his aircraft to this country. Flight Sergeant Brichta's courage and coolness in the face of danger has at all times been of a high order. He has taken part in attacks on the enemy's industrial targets and dockyard installations. Flight Sergeant Brichta has now completed his tour of operations with this squadron. On every operation he has displayed an efficiency as Observer which is above average and at all times his coolness under trying circumstances has been highly instrumental in the return of his aircraft. Of particular mention is Flight Sergeant Brichta's effort of the night of 16/17 June 1942, when attacking Essen. The aircraft was hit three times over enemy territory. When twenty miles east-northeast of Antwerp a particularly heavy piece hit the aircraft which was at the same time attacked by an enemy fighter. The underside of the fuselage, from the front turret to the observer's table, was on fire but in spite of the imminent danger to the whole crew, and the possibility that he would fall through the badly burned bottom of the fuselage, Flight Sergeant Brichta immediately tackled the task of stamping out the flames, completely disregarding his personal safety. Flight Sergeant Brichta's accurate navigation played a large part in this particular instance, in assisting to bring the severely damaged machine safely back to England. Flight Sergeant Brichta's courage and coolness in the face of danger has at all times been of the very highest order and it is considered that his efforts over the whole of his tour merit recognition."
Medal presented (not clear to whom) at Buckingham Palace, 22 April 1944
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Air Observer Badge
