R.C.A.F. Distinguished Flying Cross Group of (6) Medals, to P.O. Cowan, 433 (Porcupine) Squadron
Distinguished Flying Cross dated 1944, 1939/45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Defence Medal (Canadian issue), C.V.S.M. (missing overseas clasp), War Medal (Canadian issue). Medals are plated. France & Germany clasp is missing on his ACE Star (easily replaced). EF condition.
COWAN, P/O William James Henry (J88515) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron - Award effective 1 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 12 December 1944 and AFRO 337/45 dated 23 February 1945.Home in Toronto; enlisted there 29 June 1942.Trained at No.3 WS (graduated 16 April 1943) and No.7 BGS (graduated 11 June 1943).Award sent by registered mail 10 March 1949.No citation other than "..in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations against the enemy."DHist file 181.009 D.2609 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 17 September 1944 by W/C A.J. Lewington when he had completed 33 sorties (153 hours 55 minutes), 18 April to 28 August 1944.
This officer, the Wireless Operator of the crew captained by Pilot Officer F.J. Devine, DFC, has now completed his first tour of operations comprised of thirty-three trips over enemy territory.Throughout his tour he has consistently displayed a high degree of courage, skill and initiative and has proven himself to be an outstanding member of a gallant crew.
Pilot Officer Cowan has also greatly strengthened the hand of the Signals leader of this Squadron when on the ground, his keenness, energy and reliability being a constant source of inspiration to his fellow Wireless Operators.
I consider his splendid record of achievement fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Non-Immediate).
William Cowan was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Group comes with his original R.C.A.F. Commissioning Scroll in original addressed shipping tube, City of Toronto appreciation scroll (very ornate hand-illuminated), 2 portrait photographs, wedding cert., wif'es parents wedding cert., Original award notification letter, Statement of Service, RCAF sweetheart pin, his father's WW1 Victory Medal (75th Can. Inf.), old pop-up magnifying glass (probably WW1), etc.
