Rank:

Pilot I

Unit:

Station Netheravon, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 10th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Vittles

"Since his return from the Far East in October 1947, Pilot I Richards has been employed in flying on the scheduled services to Europe and in screening pilots undergoing instruction in glider towing and the dropping of parachute troops. One of the first pilots to be attached to British Air Forces of Occupation for the Berlin air lift, he has, since the inception of the air lift, flown continuously as a Dakota captain in all weathers by day and by night. His total sorties to date are 83. He has established a reputation among his fellow captains for skill, resolution and efficiency and he is always ready to volunteer for extra duties when the occasion arises. Pilot I Richards belongs to that select band of veterans of the air lift who have given such magnificent service in establishing the very high standard of regularity, crew discipline and untiring enthusiasm without which the unbroken flow of supplies into Berlin would have been impossible. Pilot I Richards can be trusted implicitly to carry out his duties with skill and determination whatever the cost to himself."