BRICKER, F/L Calvin David (C1449) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.430 Squadron - Award effective 23 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 3 April 1945 and AFRO 765/45 dated 4 May 1945. Born in Regina, home in Grenfell, Saskatchewan; enlisted there 2 January 1940. Posted 26 May 1941 to No.19 EFTS to instruct. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1942. Posted to No.11 SFTS, 4 September 1942; to No.1 OTU, Bagotville, 18 November 1942; to \"Y\" Depot, Halifax, 27 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 3 April 1943. Repatriated to Canada, 30 August 1946. Commissioned as Flight Lieutenant in permanent force, 1 October 1946 (26072). Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 June 1950. Award presented 11 January 1948. Attached to USAF, January 1950; first Canadian to fly the Atlantic in a jet (F-84, July 1950, as part of USAF exchange duties). Awarded Queen\'s Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 while a Squadron Leader at Station Macdonald. Prior to the invasion of France this officer led several missions to obtain photographs of coastal defences and other enemy installations. On one occasion he dived to an altitude of 100 feet and although subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire from a heavily defended position secured excellent photographs. On another occasion over the front lines at Caen photographs of very good quality were obtained of enemy occupied factory buildings. On tactical reconnaissance missions this pilot has also shown keenness and determination which have had excellent results in locating important enemy troop concentrations.