BOUVIER, P/O Leo William (J93002) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.428
Squadron - Award effective 8 September 1945 as per London Gazette dated
25 September 1945 and AFRO 1768/45 dated 23 November 1945. Born 18 June 1921. Home in Saskatoon, enlisted there 29
September 1941. Trained at No.3 BGS (graduated
14 January 1944). Awarded presented at Station Clinton, 5 April
1951 (member of postwar RCAF). No
citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in
the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage
and devotion to duty." DHist file
181.009 D.1941 (RG.24 Vol.20612) has recommendation by S/L R.W. Swartz dated 20
April 1945 when he had flown 29 sorties (201 hours 55 minutes). This began with three trips in No.429
Squadron (12 July to 1 August 1944), 17 trips with No.419 Squadron (4 August
1944 to 2 January 1945) and the rest in No.428 (7 January to 13 April 1945). NOTE: recommendation gives Christian names as
William Leo but microfilm at DHist confirms it as Leo William.
This officer has shown a high degree of
courage, skill and devotion. As rear
gunner his coolness and obvious ability gave an added degree of confidence to
his crew and proved of incalculable assistance to his pilot.
During his tour of operations he has
participated in many sorties on heavily defended targets and he has displayed a
fine disregard for personal safety and the ability to concentrate on his
duties.