BURTON, F/L William Donald (J18959) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.439 Squadron - Award effective 18 December 1944 as per London Gazette dated 29 December 1944 and AFRO 379/45 dated 2 March 1945. Born December 1921 in Brantford, Ontario; home there. Enlisted in Hamilton, 5 June 1941 and posted to No.1 Manning Depot. To No.16 SFTS (guard), 4 July 1941. To No.1 ITS, 8 August 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 13 September 1941 when posted to No.10 EFTS; to No.6 SFTS, 7 November 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 27 February 1942. To \"Y\" Depot, 28 February 1942. To RAF overseas, 19 March 1942. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 27 August 1942. Promoted WO2, 27 February 1943. Commissioned 28 August 1943. Promoted Flying Officer, 26 February 1944. Repatriated 27 November 1944. To No.16 SFTS, 22 January 1945. To No.1 Air Command, 18 January 1945. To \"Y\" Depot, 6 April 1945. To United Kingdom, 13 April 1945. Repatriated July 1945. To Debert, 23 July 1945. Retired 13 September 1945. Award presented 14 June 1949. Since joining his present squadron, Flight Lieutenant Burton has flown on a large number of sorties against targets of all kinds, including railway sidings, airfields, enemy shipping and transport. In June 1944, in spite of very adverse weather and powerful defences he led his formation at very low level to attack an important bridge on the river Orne. The bridge was demolished and thereby the enemy were denied the use of a very important supply and escape route. On another sortie in September 1944, Flight Lieutenant Burton, while leading a formation located an enemy road convoy in Holland. After his attack six vehicles were seen to be on fire and others badly damaged. During the return flight two troop trains were encountered. These also were left on fire. This officer has been a flight commander in his squadron since August 1944. He is an excellent leader and has set a fine example of courage and resource.