Rank:

Navigator II

Unit:

No. 238 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

December 10th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Vittles

"Navigator II Pearce has served with No.238 Squadron since April 1947 and his work has aircrew has always been of exemplary standard. He is one of the pioneers of the airlift into Berlin and has already completed successfully 90 sorties as navigator of a Dakota from Wunstorf, Fassberg and Lubeck. Many of his sorties have been flown by night and in the most exacting weather conditions. He has shown himself to be a highly skilled navigator and he has maintained a most praiseworthy determination and devotion to his task under all conditions over a long period. He has never allowed himself to be perturbed by weather, monotony or fatigue and he has set a high example to other aircrew. The fine qualities and performance of the aircrew members like Navigator II Pearce have set the standard of quiet, unruffled efficiency which has guaranteed the success of the airlift to date and has in fact become the hallmark of the veterans of this operation. Certainly we owe much to Navigator II Pearce for the fine example he has given to the other navigators and the confidence he has inspired in his own crew."