THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

WRIGHT John Leonard

NZ405781, Acting Flight Lieutenant, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

Distinguished Service Order

Gazetted 16 November 1943

This officer has completed 56 operations with Bomber Command against all the major targets in Germany and Italy.  Flight Lieutenant Wright completed his first tour of operations with No 75 (NZ) Squadron and has done 24 operations on his second tour with his present squadron.  He has proved himself to be an outstanding captain of aircraft whilst engaged on Pathfinder Force duties, and his determination to press home any attack he is to perform, has won him the respect of the whole squadron.  Flight Lieutenant Wright is a captain who can be depended upon to produce the best possible results under any conditions.  His keenness for operations, devotion to duty, and his willingness to help pilots starting out has always been most marked

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded 23 December 1942

This officer has participated in many attacks on some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany.  His painstaking search to identify and attack the target is worthy of the highest praise.  One night in September 1942, when returning from an attack on the Ruhr a Junkers 88 was observed.  By skilful manoeuvering of his aircraft, Pilot Officer WRIGHT eanabled his gunner to open fire and destroy the enemy aircraft.  At all times he has displayed courage and devotion to duty of the highest order.  Pilot Officer WRIGHT flew 32 sorties with 75 (NZ) Squadron.

KNOWN AWARDS

Distinguished Service Order

Distinguished Flying Cross

1939-45 Star

Air Crew Europe Star

       France and Germany

Defence Medal

War Medal 1939-45

New Zealand War Service Medal

Bomber Command Medal

Pathfinders Badge

NOTES

Born 24 February 1914, Tirau, New Zealand

Died 5 April 1956, Hamilton, New Zealand

Buried Hamilton East Cemetery (H-J-13)