THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

STAFFORD John Harry

421783 Flight Lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Air Force, WW2

CITATION

Distinguished Flying Cross

Gazetted 6 May 1945

Acting Flight Lieutenant STAFFORD is a fighter pilot of outstanding ability, determination and courage.  He has attacked a large variety of targets and during the period of flying-bomb activity, he destroyed at least 8 of these missiles.  On one occasion, whilst returning from a patrol over the Munster area, his aircraft was very badly damaged by anti-aircraft fire.  Displaying superb airmanship Flight Lieutenant STAFFORD flew the crippled aircraft back to base.  While flying on armed reconnaissance he has destroyed at least one enemy aircraft and damaged others.  In addition he has inflicted considerable damage on the enemy's locomotives, mechanical transport and rolling stock.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Aircrew Europe Star

France & Germany Star

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

NOTES

Born 19 August 1922 Auckland, New Zealand

Died 1 August 2015 Aucklamd, New Zealand

Buried Purewa Cemetery, Auckland