Orders, Decorations and Medals

An American Air Medal group of five awarded to Flight Sergeant S. H. Webster, No. 48 Squadron, Royal Air Force

1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals; U.S.A., Air Medal, named on the reverse (Flight Sergeant, RAFVR), this with enamelled lapel badge and case of issue, extremely fine (5) £150-200

U.S.A. Air Medal London Gazette 9 October 1945. The recommendation states: ‘Flight Sergeant Webster was captain of a Dakota aircraft taking part in the Airborne Operations at Arnhem. He participated with distinction in the first and second glider lifts on the 17th and 18th September, and also on one re-supply mission. On this occasion his aircraft was hit during the dropping of the panniers but the remainder of the load was released successfully. After leaving the dropping zone the aircraft was again hit severely and acught fire, the crew being compelled to abandon it by parachute. Flight Sergeant Webster landed in the Rhine near the north bank, but swam across to the other side where he knew he was more likely to find himself among friends, and shortly afterwards he returned with all but one of his crew to this country. This N.C.O. throughout the operations showed gallantry and devotion to duty.’ One of only 45 awards of the Air Medal to the R.A.F. during the Second World War. Sold with further details including copies from the Squadron Operations Record Book and Flight Sergeant Webster’s debriefing report of his abandoning his aircraft and subsequent evasion and return to British lines.