Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 78 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 17th, 1945

"Flight Lieutenant Wenzel (78 Squadron RAF) has always shown outstanding keenness for operations. He has attacked some of the most highly defended targets in enemy territory with success.

During one of his sorties while over Essen, severe anti-aircraft fire was encountered, which damaged his aircraft. Despite this, the target was successfully attacked. On the homeward flight the aircraft became almost unmanageable due to damage sustained. Nevertheless, it was flown back to this country (UK), where the crew were forced to abandon it as fire had broken out.

This officer had always set his mind fearlessly on the task at hand and has proved to be a most gallant captain of aircraft."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 242 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 9th, 1949

Awarded for:

Operation Vittles

From 'Not in the Face of the Enemy: Canadaians Awarded the Air Force Cross and Air Force Medal, 1918-1966':

"Although the citation has not come to light of this writing (June 1998), it was probably related to an in-flight incident over Germany on March 14, 1949. A main hydraulic line broke close to electrical circuits and a fire broke out. He handed over control to his co-pilot, then supervised the emergency. They were in cloud with no hydraulics and no electrical power. His flight engineer put out the fire; his navigator (Wenzel's own brother Norman) worked out a course and an ETA for Wunstorf. They made base and landed safely."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)