Heroic American Civilians, Annette Island

[HAHalliday]

The following is a portion of an award entry to an RCAF pilot, Warrant Officer John M. Wallace. Of particular interest to American readers will be the recommendation of the George Medal to three American civilians at Annette Island

WALLACE, WO2 (now F/O) John Maurice (R76133/J14453) - Mention in Despatches - No.115 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 13 August 1943 as per Canada Gazette dated 21 August 1943 and AFRO 2198/43 dated 29 October 1943.

"When an aircraft piloted by Warrant Officer Wallace took off on a routine flight fully loaded with gasoline, depth charges and bombs, the port engine failed as the aircraft became airborne, despite which the pilot managed to clear the runway and jettison his bombs from a low altitude onto soft ground to lighten the load and minimize the impending danger. The aircraft soon after crashed and burst into flames. Although pinned under burning wreckage and in extreme danger he refused assistance until all his crew members had been removed to safety and then he himself was rescued. The unselfishness and total disregard for his own safety in the interests of his fellow crew members, together with his flying skill in the face of imminent danger was an inspiration and courageous example for all ranks."


WALLACE, F/L John Maurice, DFC (J14453) - Air Medal (United States) - Alaska Defence Command - Awarded as per AFRO 819/46 dated 23 August 1946. Note: on 21 September 1942 while flying Bolingbroke 9118, No.115 Squadron, Annette Island, he was seriously injured in crash at base when engines failed. Alaska Defense Command General Order No.1, dated 4 January 1943, gives the following in American terms:

"John Maurice Wallace (Army Serial Number R-76133), Sergeant Major, pilot, Royal Canadian Air Force. For heroism and outstanding meritorious conduct while serving with the Air Force of the United States Army in Alaska on September 21, 1942. On this date Sergeant-Major Wallace was detailed to carry out a routine flight as pilot of a Canadian Bolingbroke loaded with 250 pound depth charges and 250 pound anti-submarine bombs. When barely off the ground the port engine cut out. Sergeant-Major Wallace held the aircraft in the air with the remaining engine that still functioned. When he had cleared the runway he jettisoned the bombs, but the plane could not maintain its altitude and crashed about half a mile from where the bombs were dropped. It immediately burst into flames pinning Sergeant-Major Wallace under the wreckage. Upon being rescued, Sergeant-Major Wallace insisted that they leave him and save the three members of his crew first. Eventually all were rescued. The extreme courage and coolness, in the face of probable death, reflects credit on Sergeant-Major Wallace and the Canadian Military Services"
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George Medal Recommendations: DHist file 181.009 D.2699 (National Archives RG.24 Volume 20631), in addition to the recommended AFC to Wallace, had recommendations dated 26 October 1942 by S/L Ashman for the George Medal to three American civilians, viz:

Charles Rex Marchant, employed with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Annette Island, Alaska:

"On the morning of September 21st, 1942, Charles Rexarchant, while employed in the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Administration Building at Annette Island Landing Field, Alaska, heard a crash and, running out, observed an aircraft coming down in a clump of trees a short distance away. In company with fellow employees J.R. Bassett and L.H. Sasseen, he ran towards the crash which proved to be an RCAF bomber and which burst into flames when they were about half the distance to it. On arrival at the scene, Marchant and his companions, disregarding the great heat, bursting flares and exploding ammunition, and the imminent and certain danger of the explosion of the large gasoline supply and possible bomb detonations, rescued all members of the crew including the pilot who was pinned under burning wreckage. Within 10 to 15 minutes after the rescue had been effected the aircraft was completely demolished by explosions. Mr. Marchant displayed calmness and courage of the highest order in a most dangerous situation, thereby saving, with the assistance of Bassett and Sasseen, the lives of all crew members of the aircraft.

Lorne H. Sasseen, employed with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Annette Island, Alaska; citation identical to above save in ordering of names."

Jack Reniss Bassett, employed with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Annette Island, Alaska: citation identical to above save for ordering of names.

These were endorsed on 26 October 1942 (day of submission) by S/L G.G. Diamond, RCAF officer, Annette Island, and on 26 December 1942 by the Air Officer Commanding , Western Air Command. Subsequent action unknown.