Donald Campbell "Chunky" Gordon

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DONALD GORDON Former Sun carrier, received his wings at the RCAF Flying School at Dauphin, Manitoba, last week. He is now on leave in Vancouver with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Gordon, 3812 West Sixteenth Avenue. Gordon was educated in Vancouver at Kitchener, Point Grey Junior High, and Lord Byng High Schools.

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Canadian Fighter Pilots Get Biggest Bag of Huns

London, Jan 2 1945 (CP) - Canadian fighter pilots accounted for at least half of the 94 German plane destroyed by the RAF's 2nd Tactical Air Force New Year's Day when the Luftwaffe made an attempt to cripple west front airfield operations.
A compilation tonight, based on the latest reports received from the Continent, showed that RCAF fighters in their biggest day of the war destroyed at least 36 enemy aircraft and half-a-dozen others fel1 to Canadian sharpshooters in RAF Squadrons.
The top scoring wing in the 2nd Tactical Air Force during the day of close to 100 "kills" was the Canadian Spitfire unit which brought down 24 German machines, probably destroyed another three and damaged seven. An untold number of probables and damaged planes was claimed by other Canadians.
The wing’s scorers included two airmen who downed three planes apiece, both from the Ram Squadron. FO G. D. Cameron of Toronto destroyed a trio of ME-109s while Flt. Lt. John Mackay of Covedale. B.C., destroyed two ME-109s and an FW-190. Mackay got the last two without using his guns because they dived into the ground when he chased them.
Flt. Lt. D. Pieri of Toronto and Elmhurst, Ill., destroyed two ME-190s and probably destroyed two others.
Flt. Lt. Dick Audet of Lethbridge. Alta., who last Friday shot down five enemy planes in little more than five minutes, brought his total to seven with two FW-190s bagged as they roared low over his field. Friday's quintet were the first aircraft the 22 year-old Lethbridge airman had downed.
Others from the Canadian wing, who helped to set up the day's record - the previous top mark for the Canadians in a single day was 22 planes - included Sqdn, Ldr. Dean Dover, DFC, and Bar, of Toronto, who destroyed an ME-109 and shared another with FO. Dean Kelly of Peterborough, Ont. and Flt. Lt Donald Gordon of Vancouver with two ME-109's.
Double scorers included Flt. Lt. J. W. Garland. Richmond, Ont., PO. Steve Butte, Michel. B.C.: PO. Mac Reeves, Madoc, Ont.; and FO. A. H. Fraser, Westmount, Que.
Single scorers included Flt. Lt. W. Banks, Toronto; Fit. Lt. B. MacPherson, St. Thomas, Ont.; Flt Lt. Basil Doak,, Cowansville, Que.; FO. Vic Smith, Toronto: FO. J. C. Lee, Ottawa; PO. D. M. Horsburgh, Carnduff, Sask.: Flt. Lt. N. Keen, White Lake. B.C.; FO. H. Laurence. Edson. Alta.: and Flt. Sgt. Keith Lindsay. 10764 95th St. Edmonton. Lindsay also claimed one probable.

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GORDON, F/L Donald Campbell (J16633) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.442 Squadron
Award effective 23 February 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 1453/45 dated 14 September 1945.

This officer has displayed the highest standard of skill and resolution in his attacks on the enemy. Among his successes is the destruction of four enemy aircraft. Two of these he shot down recently in an engagement against a large force of enemy fighters. Flight Lieutenant Gordon was wounded and his aircraft badly damaged but he effected a successful crash-landing.

NOTE: DHist file 181.009 D.2833 (RG.24 Volume 20632) has recommendation drafted 8 January 1945 when he had flown 275 sorties (335 operational hours. Detail bears comparison with above: Flight Lieutenant Gordon has taken part in 275 sorties against the enemy in Africa and Europe and has displayed great keenness and determination to engage the enemy at all times, both in the air and on the ground. He has taken part in many bombing and strafing sorties with great efficiency and success. On one occasion recently this officer was returning early by himself from the squadron formation due to his aircraft being unserviceable. Nevertheless on hearing over the radio of enemy activity he went to the vicinity and sighted and attacked 50 or more enemy fighters. He succeeded in destroying two before he was wounded and his aircraft so badly damaged he was forced to crash land. This brought his total number of enemy aircraft destroyed in the air to four and one-half, four probably destroyed and five damaged. He has at all times set a high example to his squadron and has always shown great courage and devotion to duty. Read the real thing - DFC Donald "the Chunk" Gordon

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CANADIAN SPITFIRE SQUADRON THIRSTING FOR 300TH VICTIM
Down Seven of Enemy in One Day, But Poor Weather Halts Hunting

(By FO. James P. Rennie, D.F.C. War Correspondent for the Spectator and Southam Papers)
On the Western Front, Feb. 26, 1945 - Eagerly, almost impatiently, these youthful Canadian Spitfire pilots raced through their noonday meal. One hour before they screamed their deadly little craft into base to report seven Jerry fighters destroyed and two damaged. Now, just one more "kill" would bring the wing's total bag to a nice round figure of 300. But the weather was deteriorating fast.
Brisk Scrap
Even as a mess guest I sensed this electric atmosphere on entering the room. After five minutes with the pilots I wanted that one additional kill as earnestly as any man in the place. But, as so frequently happens in flying, the weather-man won. Sorties ended for the day at noon. The Luftwaffe was safe for another few hours.
Flyers of the all Canadian fighter wing displayed obvious disappointment. In two sorties before noon they had encountered Jerries twice and for the first time in weeks the enemy showed willingness to fight. This delighted our airmen, who saw it only as bad judgment, for both scrambles cost Goring eight fighters destroyed and three damaged. All our Spits returned safely.
Twelve pilots figured in the sweep which knocked out seven enemy aircraft in a brisk eight-minute scrap. They were patrolling north of the Ruhr, Germany's industrial heart, when more than 40 FW-190's and ME-109's were sighted at 8,000 feet. After eight minutes of mad scramble the Jerries sped for home. Seven of their number had hit the deck in flames.
Share Destruction
Between gulps of coffee Flight-Lieut. R. B. Barker, of Vancouver, described his two kills and one probable. Quick bursts of cannon fire finished both.
"I followed my first one down to see him hit the deck in flames," he said. "My second just broke up in the air."
Credited with two kills each during the forenoon's work were Flight-Lieut. Ken Trumley, of Toronto, and FO. Ernest Baker, of London, Ont. The other victim fell to Flight-Lieut. Don C. Gordon, D.F.C., of Vancouver.

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GORDON, S/L Donald Campbell, DFC (J16633) - Bar to DFC - No.402 Squadron
Award effective 7 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and
AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945

Both in the air and on the ground this officer has displayed outstanding courage and skill in operations against the enemy. Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed five more enemy aircraft bringing his total victories to at least nine enemy aircraft destroyed and others damaged. He has led his squadron in many relentless attacks against enemy road and rail transport in heavily defended areas and has inflicted considerable damage on the enemy's lines of communications. At all times Squadron Leader Gordon has displayed brilliant leadership, a fine fighting spirit and great determination. Read the real thing - Bar to DFC

Congratulatory letter from Vincent Massey HERE

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Check out a few other Newspaper articles City Airmen Avenges Pal Don Gordon Fights All Over City Flyer Bags Two Germans City Airman May Get Christmas Mackinaw After All OBITUARIES Another shot of      Don Gordon in Cologne

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THE AMERICAN DFC DELEMA

The following quoted from Hugh Halliday's Research "Air force Honours & Awards"
a very handy resource found at the Air force Association of Canada's web site :

NOTE: On 28 September 1949, AFHQ wrote to CJS Washington:

19878 F/L Donald Campbell Gordon (formerly J166633) whose death occurred recently wore ribbon of American Distinguished Flying Cross on his uniform. No record can be found at this HQ of such an award having been conferred on this officer. From verbal information received this award was presumably granted sometime between 1942-44 while he served with an RAF squadron (either 274 or 601) in Africa which liaised closely with American forces in same sector and awards were granted by General Officer Commanding US Forces to a number of personnel in the squadron in appreciation of operational cooperation. Cannot verify this from either Records files or personnel here. Neither can record of actual presentation of insignia be found. Request to contact appropriate USAF department and endeavor to establish whether any record of DFC to F/L Gordon can be found. Next of kin making inquiries regarding presentation and contents of citation.

AFCS wrote to AFHQ, 6 October 1949:

Check of US records in Washington reveals no record of award of American Distinguished Flying Cross to late F/L D.C. Gordon. US authorities continuing search by contacting Records Unit at St. Louis. Information has been received that RCAF officer by name of Perkins served with F/L Gordon in the Middle East and it is suggested that this officer be contacted with view of obtaining helpful information. As soon as additional information is received it will be dispatched.

Ink minute on this document, initialed by S/L K.S. Ball, reads:

NOTE: All Gordon's files and honour's and awards files have been carefully perused but no record or no mention of an American DFC can be found. Also, statements compiled by Gordon himself, i.e. R.332, etc. on doc. file do not show award of American DFC.

Note on file indicates that S/L Ball, on TD to Vancouver, discussed this with W/C G.W. Northcott on 29 October 1949:

W/C Northcott was unable to throw any light on the matter, and stated that his association with this officer was after the period mentioned in para 2 above, i.e. as he recollects it was towards the end of the war in France and Germany, and later with the Occupational Forces in Germany. He was not aware of the circumstances surrounding the award of the American DFC.

Letter to F/L Max Perkins (Victoria, 19 November 1949); Perkins replies on 23 November 1949; letter reads in part:

To my knowledge "Chunky" received no award while in the Middle East or Italian theatre. He had left (274) Squadron prior to Americans becoming active in the Middle East. There were no American awards to 601 Squadron during our tour of operations. We also served on 442 Squadron in 126 Wing in Holland. Here again I am not aware of any American citations.

Don became Commanding Officer of either 402 or 412 Squadron TAF in March or April 1945. This is the only place I know where the award could have been received...

I saw "The Chunk" in Saskatoon in October 1946 and at that time he was wearing the American Flying Cross. Don told me that the award was received after the war for liaison work on the Continent while in TAF during the latter part of the war.

Letter to George Keefer, 2 December 1949 and reply of 6 December 1949; unable to supply information; suggests Houle, PRO McGillvary, McBrien, Mitchner, Turner.

2 December 1949 - Air Attache, CJS Washington to AFHQ:

Advice received that further check of USAF and US Army Air Corps records do not reveal the award of American Distinguished Flying Cross to late F/L D.C. Gordon.

However this office is informed by USAF Records Section that during visits of General Spaatz to various theatres of war American DFCs were awarded by him personally without any record being forwarded to the United States. It is suggested that SCAFLO [?] be contacted in an effort to ascertain if this information might be available at USAF Overseas Record Section.

AFHQ to AMCJS, London, 14 February 1950:

Air Attache Washington has suggested that your HQ contact United States Air Force Overseas Records Section in endeavor to ascertain whether any record can be found of award of American Distinguished Flying Cross to late 19878 F/L Donald Campbell Gordon (formerly S/L J16630). Prior to his death in 1949 this officer wore American DFC ribbon on his uniform but no record can he found here or Washington of such award having been officially conferred on this officer. Washington suggest award may have been made by General Spaatz during visit to various war theatres and no record forwarded United States. Gordon was attached to RAF and served with 274 and 601 Squadrons in Middle East. He also served with 417, 442 and 402 Squadrons in Italian and European theatres. Possibly Air Ministry also may have such record of such an award. Any further details required will be supplied on request. Advise.

AMCJS London to AFHQ, Ottawa, 18 February 1950:

This unit has checked with Honour's and Awards Section in Air Ministry and Honour's and Awards Section of the American Air Attache's Office in London but there is no record at either of award of American DFC to 19878 F/L Donald Campbell Gordon. The view is held at both offices that if award was given by General Spaatz for an outstanding feat in the field it is possible that through error same would not have been recorded although they point out that this happened on only few occasions. If the latter were the case they further point out that officer would have been given copy of covering orders and citation and same may be in possession of next of kin...

Matter referred to Air Historian to check squadron records (16 February 1950); W/C Hitchins writes (21 February 1950):

1.The record books of Nos.417, 442, 411 and 402 Squadrons have been examined for the pertinent periods. The honour's and awards files of RCAF Middle East, Nos.402 and 442 Squadrons have also been searched (No honour's and awards files are held for Nos.417 or 411 Squadrons). No mention could be found of the award of an American DFC to the subject officer.

2.The only reference which might have any possible relation to the matter is an item in the daily diary of No.442 Squadron under date 8 February 1945. It mentions that A/M R. Leckie visited the wing (No.126) accompanied by A/V/M R.R. Collard, W/C H.R. Hamilton, and Colonel E. Gerrard, 9th USAAF Liaison Officer.

3.On the day of the visit F/L Gordon destroyed 2 1/2 enemy aircraft. (A month previously, on 1 January 1945, he had destroyed two enemy aircraft - an act for which he was awarded the British DFC). Is it possible that during the visit Colonel Gerrard, in view of F/L Gordon's feat that day, made some mention of an American DFC ? Would he have authority to recommend (or confer) decorations ?...

Minute on the memo says, of para 3, "Considered most unlikely Liaison Officer would have such authority". A minute by S/L K.E. Ball, dated 6 March 1950, indicates that his widow will be asked if she has found anything in his effects "that would be a clue to establishing entitlement to this award". Nothing further on file.

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Greg Maslen (he's Merritt Gordon's son-in-law and the Gent who sent me much of the info on this page) informs me there is no mention of an American DFC in Gordon's logbook. Here's a quote from a much earlier correspondence I had with Greg:

Then a few weeks ago I get this letter:

So they found the ribbon, what about the medal? And while we're at it, what about the name?

Thanks Greg!

So, although no medal was found to go along with the ribbon, there were some pictures located that are worth noting. One, in particular, check it out ...

A Vancouver officer of the RCAF escorted the daughter of the President of the United States at a recent wedding in Washington. Shown left to right, among the crowd leaving Epiphany Episcopal Church in the American capital, are: Miss Margaret Truman; Mrs. Harry Truman: Miss Truman's escort, Fl/Lt Don Gordon of Vancouver; and Mrs. Truman's escort, Fl/Lt James Davis of Winnipeg. They had attended the wedding of F/O C. George Mattusch, RCAF, of Elmira, Ont., and Miss Anita Cajigas of Washington. (AP PHOTO)

Apparently, Gordon claimed to have been given the DFC after the war, for liaison work, done late in the war. Seems to me he was in a position that required he be most honorable, reliable and trustworthy. People like this do not wear medals they were not given. Greg says the US DFC is part of the strip Don wore. So although you cant see it, he's probably wearing it in this picture. Now ask yourself, would this man risk his reputation and career (not to mention the embarrassment if caught) wearing a bogus medal when he has plenty of real ones to wear? Because in his position that's what he would be doing. Imagine running around, in an official capacity, representing your country, sportin a bogus DFC ribbon of the country you're visiting! I dont think so.
I'd still like to know where, or from whom, he got it though.

Sept 27, 2006 - I got more scans from Greg. Very very nice. This will take awhile to go through and add ... hmm, I might just put them all in a folder for you-all's perusal ... I'll think about it. There's even a pic from the Chunk's personal photo's of fellow ace Tex Pieri that came in real handy.
Let me say that after going through them carefully, there's no doubt he wore the US DFC on his uniform all the time. At his wedding, at the above wedding and in official portraits, he's wearing it.

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the Chunk and Company. That's him in the middle

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and the same things in Ribbon form :

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--- Canadian Aces ---

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For additional details see H.A. Halliday, The Tumbling Sky.

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On these pages I use info from the Air force Association of Canada's web site
in Hugh Halliday's excellent Honors & Awards section,
Newspaper articles via the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation (CMCC)
as well as other sources both published and private
and on this page -
Thanks go to Greg Maslen & Merritt Gordon for sending me the scans and photos !!

the Last Patrol by Lance Russwurm (You wanna know? Click on it !)