Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

February 15th, 1944

"This officer and airman were air bomber and mid-upper gunner respectively of an aircraft detailed to attack Magdeburg. On the outward flight the aircraft was attacked by a fighter and damage was sustained. In spite of this, the mission was continued and the target was successfully attacked. On the homeward flight, whilst over the North Sea the petrol supply became exhausted and the aircraft had to be brought down on to the sea. This was skilfully accomplished but the violence of the waves broke the aircraft in two and the dinghy drifted away. Undaunted, Flying Officer Marston and Sergeant McMillam discarded most of their equipment, plunged into the water and swam towards the dinghy. They succeeded in Teaching it and, although almost exhausted, scrambled aboard. Although numb with cold and greatly fatigued they struggled valiantly against the violent seas to return to the sinking aircraft but their efforts were in vain. In most distressing circumstances this officer and airman displayed great courage and resolution and their conduct was worthy of the highest praise."