Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Vernon
Crawford-Compton
March 2, 1915

–

January 2, 1988

Born:

Invercargill

, 

New Zealand

Home:

, 

New Zealand

A Royal Air Force ACE, William Crawford-Compton ended the war having flown at least 517 operational missions and was credited with destroying at least 20, possibly 21, enemy aircraft. He also shared in the destruction of one further enemy aircraft, claimed three probables and a share in a fourth, and 13 damaged.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    Foreign

    Rank:

    Air Vice Marshall

    Division:

    Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 104 (July 20, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Air Forces Award) to Air Vice Marshall William Vernon Crawford-Compton (SN: 65500), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving in support of the EIGHTH Air Force, in escorting United States Army Air Force bombers on bombardment missions over enemy-occupied territory in 1943. Flight Officer Crawford-Compton has led his squadron brilliantly and with utter disregard for his own personal safety. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of His Majesty’s government.