Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

No. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1940

"In May, 1940, this airman was the air observer of an aircraft of a formation of nine aircraft detailed to carry out a dive bombing attack on a convoy of advancing enemy ground forces on the Belgian frontier. After bombing, the aircraft was engaged in a running fight with fou enemy fighters during which the air gunner was severely wounded. Sergeant Paine immediately crawled through the fuselage, which necessitated removing his flying clothing and parachute, thereby sacrificing a chance of escape if compelled to abandon his aircraft, and succeeded in extricating the wounded air gunner from his cockpit. He then proceeded to operate the rear gun, causing the enemy to break off the attack. He subsequently assisted his wounded comrade, after which he returned to his own cockpit and assisted in the navigation of the aircraft. Sergeant Paine's prompt action probably saved the aircraft from being shot down."