KEEFER, F/L
George Clinton (J5022) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.274
Squadron - Award effective 12 January 1943 as per London
Gazette dated 22 January 1943 and AFRO 272/43 dated 19
February 1943. Born in New York, 1921; home in
Charlottetown; enlisted there 15 October 1940.
Trained at No.1 ITS (graduated 9 December 1940), No.11 EFTS
(graduated 28 January 1941), and No.2 SFTS (graduated 10 April
1941). Presented with DSO, DFC and Bar at Buckingham Palace, 7
November 1944; presented with Bar to DSO, 25 February 1947.
Died in Montreal, January 1985. For additional details see
H.A. Halliday, The Tumbling Sky and Michel Lavigne, Canadian
Wing Commanders.
" This officer has participated
in numerous operational attacks in the course of which his
determination and tenacity have resulted in twelve victories
for his squadron, while many enemy aircraft have probably been
destroyed or damaged. During an exceptionally long tour
of flying duty he has continually displayed great gallantry
and skill in strategy."
NOTE: Public
Record Office Air 2/9612 has recommendation for a
non-immediate award sent by Group Captain W.J.M. Akerman,
Headquarters, Royal Air Force, Middle East to Air Ministry on
14 December 1942:
" This pilot has flown more
than 210 operational hours, covering 179 sorties, since
November 1941. His determination in pressing home
attacks and his strategy both as an individual and as a
Section Leader have resulted in a dozen victories for his
section, with numerous probables and damaged. In addition he
has either led the squadron or his section on 18 bombing trips
since early June 1942, dropping thirty-six 250-pound bombs
with great success. He was relieved from operational
flying on 15th August and he had completed 511 hours flying,
having continuously displayed gallantry during his nine and
one-half months service with the squadron."
KEEFER, S/L George Clinton (J5022)
- Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross - No.412 Squadron - Award
effective 5 April 1944 as per London Gazette dated 14 April
1944 and AFRO 1020/44 dated 12 May 1944.
" Squadron Leader Keefer has
always performed his duties with unfailing coolness and
courage. On many occasions he has escorted large
formations of bomber aircraft over enemy territory, achieving
much success. Since the award of the Distinguished
Flying Cross he has continued to take part in operations with
the greatest keenness and has engaged the enemy many
times."
KEEFER, W/C George Clinton, DFC
(J5022) - Distinguished Service Order - No.126 Wing - Award
effective 20 October 1944 as per London Gazette of that date
and AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944.
" This officer has completed
many sorties since being awarded a Bar to the Distinguished
Flying Cross and his record is outstanding. Within the
past few months he has led large formations of aircraft on air
operations during which forty enemy aircraft have been
destroyed. The successes obtained reflect the greatest
credit on the skill, gallantry and resolution of Wing
Commander Keefer. This officer has been responsible for
the destruction of eight hostile aircraft."
KEEFER, W/C George Clinton, DSO,
DFC (J5022) - Bar to Distinguished Service Order - No.125 Wing
- Award effective 10 July 1945 as per London Gazette of 24
July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October
1945.
" Since his
appointment as Wing Commander of Operations, Wing Commander
Keefer has led and trained his wing to a high pitch of
keenness and efficiency. Under his leadership the wing
has destroyed 191 enemy aircraft and damaged many more.
In addition a great variety of enemy ground targets have been
successfully attacked. During this period Wing Commander
Keefer has destroyed four enemy aircraft in the air bringing
his total victories to twelve aircraft destroyed. He has
also destroyed at least sixty enemy transport vehicles.
In April 1945, he completed a daring attack on eleven
Messerschmitt 190s [sic] assembled on an airfield at
Parchim. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire
the attack was pressed home and all the enemy aircraft were
destroyed. This officer has completed three tours of
operational duty and has proved himself to be a leader of the
highest order and a cool and fearless pilot."
KEEFER, W/C George Clinton, DSO,
DFC (J5022) - Netherlands Flying Cross - Award effective 18
October 1947 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO
576/47 dated 31 October 1947. "In recognition of
valuable services rendered during the recent war".
Public Records Office Air 2/9140 has recommendation as cleared
by Air Ministry Honours ad Awards Committee.
" Wing Commander Keefer
took over the duties of Wing Commander (Operations) of No.125
Wing in November 1944, while they were in winter quarters at
Eindhoven. During this phase of active operations, under
extremely adverse weather conditions, Wing Commander Keefer's
indomitable courage and brilliant leadership maintained the
morale of his Wing at the highest level. This officer showed
exceptional keenness to engage the enemy, and his steadfast
determination was worthy of the highest praise. In the
subsequent battles through Holland to the German border, this
officer's exceptional qualities remained well to the
fore. He displayed outstanding devotion to
duty."
KEEFER, F/L George Clinton, DSO,
DFC (J5022) - Croix de Guerre with Gold Star (France) - AFRO
485/47 dated 12 September 1947.
(Source: Allan
Hillman) | 