Edward Austin Snider

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SNIDER, FS (now P/O) Edward Austin (R165420/J88585) - DFM - No.424 Squadron
Award effective 5 September 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and
AFRO 2637/44 dated 8 December 1944.

Flight Sergeant Snider is a most capable and determined air gunner and has taken part in very many sorties. On a recent occasion, on the outward flight to Villeneuve-St.Georges, his aircraft was attacked by a fighter. Coolly and skilfully, Flight Sergeant Snider directed the necessary combat manoeuvres and, as the attacker broke away, he delivered bursts of fire which struck the enemy aircraft, causing its destruction. This airman has proved himself to be a most reliable and courageous member of aircraft crew.

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The incident raiding Villeneuve St.Georges was 4/5 July 1944. First attack by a Bf.109 began at 0040 hours as it came from behind and slightly to the left. It opened fire at 200 yards, breaking away at 150 yards; Snider opened fire, assisted by Sergeant J. W. Cumbers in the other turret. Both gunners saw strikes and saw the '109 going down on fire. After bombing the target, the Halifax was attacked again, at 0136 hours a FW.190 was seen rying to sneak up. Both gunners opened fire and the target went down burning, exploding on the ground.

Ed Snider & John Cumbers

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HONORS GIVEN 11 RCAF MEN FOR GALLANTRY

Ottawa, Sept. 5, 1944 — (CF) — Air Force Headquarters announced tonight the award of 1 Distinguished Service Order, 1 Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 3 Distinguished Flying Medals to members of the RCAF Overseas. The recipients:

DSO
S/L H. W. McLeod, DFC and Bar, Regina

BAR TO THE DFC
S/L I. F. Kennedy, DFC, Cumberland, Ont. (reported missing June 26)

DFC
F/L J. M. G. Plamandon, Ste. Michel, Que.
F/L L. R. Brochu, Ste Marie de Beauce, Que.
F/L R. K. Hayward, St, John's, Nfld.
F/L R. W. Orr of 206 Livingstone Ave, Toronto
F/O W. T. Klersy of 14 Harcroft rd., Toronto
F/O H. J. Powell, Frankford, Ont.

DFM
F/S J. W. Cumbers, Winnipeg
F/S E. A. Snider, Haliburton, Ont.
Sgt. W. R. Williams, Winnipeg

McLeod, who has distinguished himself as one of Canada's top-scoring fighter pilots with 17 enemy aircraft to his credit, was awarded the DSO for his continued display of the "highest standard of courage and resolution as an exceptional leader and relentless fighter."
Kennedy received the Bar to the DFC for his example of "Keenness and resolution." He has 11 enemy aircraft to his credit.

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Victories Include :

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--- Canadian Aces ---

--- Other Canadian Fighter Pilots ---

--- Canadian Air Gunners ---

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