PATERSON Douglas Ian

76055. Flight Lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Air Force. [Attached 9 Sqn RAAF]

CITATION

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 14 May 1971, Supp 45369, p5037

On June 14 1970, Flight Lieutenant Paterson was the captain of an Iroquois helicopter called forward for an emergency re-supply of ammunition to a platoon of C Company, 8 RAR in Phuoc Tuy Province.  The Australian Army platoon, critically low on ammunition, was under heavy fire from a superior enemy element entrenched in bunkers less than 50 metres away, and in grave danger of being overrun.  Quickly evaluating the seriousness of the situation, and knowing full well the proximity of the enemy and his own vulnerability to ground fire, Flight Lieutenant Paterson undertook to drop belts of ammunition to the platoon.  He completed part of the re-supply operation before being forced to land his aircraft, which had been badly damaged by enemy fire, in a secure area; his aircraft had sustained 21 hits at very close range.  Despite his knowledge of the accuracy and intensity of the enemy fire Flight Lieutenant Paterson returned to the area in a replacement aircraft and completed the re-supply mission.  As a result of his courageous actions the Australian Army platoon was able to break contact successfully and withdraw without loss of life.  The outstanding courage and devotion to duty displayed by Flight Lieutenant Paterson in this action were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Service and brought great credit to himself and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Flying Cross

Vietnam Service Medal

Vietnam Star

1960

NOTES

Born 15 April 1934 Opotiki, New Zealand

Died 12th June 1980 Auckland, New Zealand

THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT