Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 269 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

November 3rd, 1939

Citation:
"Sergeant Willits was the second pilot and navigator of an aircraft engaged in combat with an enemy flying boat in September, 1939. When, during an attack, the pilot had been shot through the head and had collapsed over the control column, this airman, in spite of the pilot's inertness and the extremely low altitude, succeeded in obtaining control of the aircraft. After the dead pilot had been moved entirely clear of the controls Sergeant Willits piloted and navigated the aircraft back to the base, a distance of about 140 miles.
The airman's skill and presence of mind undoubtedly saved the aircraft and the Jives of the other members of the crew."

This probably was the first air man of WW2 to receive the DFM.
The investiture was the first investiture of WW2 and took place on Wednesday November 1st, 1939.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 233 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 9th, 1943

Citation:
"Since this pilot joined his squadron for a second tour of operations he has attacked four submarines. In April, 1943, while on patrol, a U-boat was sighted which made no attempt to submerge. Fit. Lt. Willits engaged it with his front guns as he flew in to drop his depth charges which straddled the submarine. The U-boat then began to submerge but by clever manoeuvring. Fit. Lt. Willits was able to attack it again with a well-placed bomb."