BERRY, F/L Grover Arnold (J23390) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.61 Squadron - Award effective 26 May 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1380/44 dated 30 June 1944. Born 27 March 1922 (birth date in obituary notice). Home in Victoria; enlisted Edmonton, 11 September 1940. Initially trained as a gunner (graduated from No. 1 BGS, 29 October 1940). Later trained at No.4 ITS (graduated 3 July 1942), No.5 EFTS (graduated 9 October 1942) and No.3 SFTS (graduated 5 February 1943). Award sent by registered mail 14 October 1951; serving with FIS, Trenton at that time. Rose to rank of Group Captain. Died in Calgary, 24 October 1997. RCAF photo PL-36837 dated July 1945 shows eight decorated RCAF officers from Alberta aboard SS Stratheden as it docked in Quebec: Front Row, left to right, F/L D.W. Schmidt, DFC and Bar, Wetaskiwin; F/O H.E. Patch, DFM, Vegreville; F/L G.A. Berry, DFC, Lloydminster; F/O J. Perry, Lethbridge; Back Row, left to right, F/L J.M. Calder, DFC, Edmonton; F/L G.L. Scott, DFC, Innisfail; F/O G.P. Bodard, DFC, Edmonton; F/L E.S. Dunn, DFC, Calgary and formerly of Medicine Hat. \"This officer has displayed great courage and determination in his attacks on the enemy and his achievements have been commendable. On one occasion in an attack on Berlin his aircraft sustained severe damage in an encounter with a fighter. One engine was put out of action, the elevators were damaged, both the turrets were put out of action and two of the petrol tanks were pierced by shrapnel. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Berry flew the aircraft home. More recently on the outward flight to Aachen one engine became defective and later failed completely, but Flight Lieutenant Berry continued to the target and executed a successful attack. He set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty.\" NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9156 has recommendation drafted 22 April 1944 when he had flown 21 sorties (20 successful) and 135 hours ten minutes on operations. \"Flight Lieutenant Berry has completed 22 operations including eight attacks on Berlin. He has shown courage, determination and devtion to duty of a very high order. \"He invariably presses home his attacks in spite of all difficulties or opposition. On one occasion on an attack on Berlin he was attacked by a fighter. This attack damaged his elevators and stabilizer, put both his turrets out of action, wounded his mid-upper gunner, and holed the central petrol tanks and starboard oil tanks. One engine had to be feathered, but in spite of this Flight Lieutenant Berry brought his aircraft to a safe landing in this country. \"On the night of 11/12th April 1944, he was detailed to attack Aachen. Just after take-off one engine commenced surging and losing power. It had to be continually throttled right back, but by coaxing the starboard inner engine he managed to get to 18.500 feet by the time he reached the target, although he was below the concentration most of the way there. He bombed his objective successfully, obtaining photographic proof, feathered the by now completely failed engine, and brought his aircraft safely back to base on three engines. His determination to get the target on this occasion, despite the one bad engine, set a high example in his squadron. \"He is strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.\"