HUSBAND Douglas Franklin (F/L) RCAF J17192

Distinguished Flying Cross le 26 janvier 1945

Now on his second tour of operational duty, this officer completed his first tour in Africa where he destroyed an enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of another. During the first three months of Normandy Flight Lieutenant Husband destroyed another enemy aircraft. More recently this officer has been engaged on low level operations and against some of the enemy's most heavily defended targets. Throughout he has displayed fearlessness in the face of the enemy and great devotion to duty.

NOTE: Public Records Office Air 2/9045 has recommendation dated 14 November 1844 when he had flown 171 sorties (320 operation hours); text much more detailed than that published:

This officer is now on his second tour of operations, having completed his first tour in Africa where he destroyed one enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of a second. Flying Officer Husband joined this squadron on June 4th, 1944. His ability and daring were soon recognized by his fellow pilots and his eagerness to attack the enemy both in the air and on the ground, no matter what the odds, was admired by all.

During the first three months of the invasion he destroyed another enemy aircraft, and through his persistent attacks against ground targets destroyed or damaged over 50 enemy vehicles, often against extremely heavy flak opposition. During the hectic days of the Arnhem parachute dropping operations, he destroyed a further two enemy aircraft on one sortie, bring his total number of aircraft destroyed to 4 1/3. Latterly, this officer has been engaged in dive-bombing railway communication and ground staffing locomotives, which are among the most heavily defended enemy targets. However, his fearlessness and dauntless courage have again come to the fore and he pressed home his attacks with absolute disregard for his personal safety, achieving remarkable results.

Flying Officer Husband's devotion to duty, regardless of the task, has been an inspiration and an example to the other pilots in the Wing.