REED, Squadron Leader John Thomas, DFC (16928) - Bronze Star Medal (United States) - awarded as per AFRO 490/51 dated 10 August 1951. Born 17 June 1918 in Algonquin, Ontario; home in Ottawa (bank clerk). Enlisted and commissioned, 29 January 1940; trained at Toronto Flying Club; to Station Trenton, 8 May 1940; to Camp Borden, 18 July 1940 for training at No.1 SFTS; promoted to Flying Officer, 5 October 1940 (Flight Lieutenant, 1 August 1942; Squadron Leader, 15 September 1944). To Trenton, 4 November 1940; instructed at No3 SFTS, 7 January 1941 to 8 May 1942; to RAF overseas, 9 May 1942; served with No.422 Squadron, 23 November to 19 December 1942; with Marine Experimental Establishment, Helensburg, 24 February 1943 to 6 January 1944; with No.131 OTU, 6-18 January 1944; posted to No.512 Squadron, 19 January 1944 and flew with them on D Day; with No.437 Squadron, 14 September 1944 to 3 July 1945. As of 22 July 1945 he claimed 306 hours on Sunderlands, 634 hours on Dakotas, 201 hours on Catalina. DFC awarded 8 June 1945. Citation given variously as "in recognition of meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight from 17 December 1950 to 21 December 1950" and "in recognition of meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight from 5 September 1950 to 30 November 1950". He was on strength of Canadian Joint Staff, Washington, 2 October 1949 to 17 August 1951 and specifically with the 314th Troop Carrier Wing, 1 September to 20 December 1950. A newsclipping (unidentified and undated) in his file states that he was Production Control Officer, 314 Combat Cargo Wing, going on to say: "Squadron Leader Reed showed exceptional skill and resourcefulness in the performance of his duty in that capacity. By virtue of such distinguished service he brought great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force." Lieutenant-Colonel B.M. Carleton wrote a letter (also on file) dated 1 October 1950 describing his as Assistant Wing Director of Operations and saying: Squadron Leader Reed's performance of duty during the past year has been outstanding. He has adapted himself to the procedures and methods of the United States Air Force in a manner which is indicative of the exceptional qualities of initiative and loyalty which he possessed. He has accepted every assignment given him with a fine spirit and by determined effort and an inherent ability to grasp the essential elements of each situation he has produced superior results. He has become what I consider to be my most able assistant.