Lance C. Wade
Lance Cleo Wade | |
---|---|
Wing Commander | |
Service number | 68717 |
Unit | No. 33 Squadron RAF No. 145 Squadron RAF |
Battles/wars | World War II
|
Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars |
Early life
Wade was born in the small farming community of
Military career
He joined the RAF in Canada in December 1940 and trained with No. 52
He spent the next several months back in the US on various RAF projects including evaluating some American fighters at
He returned to combat as a flight commander in
Wade was credited with 25 aerial victories and was the leading American fighter ace to serve exclusively in any foreign air force.[10] Since he never transferred to the USAAF, or any other American air service, Wade didn't enjoy all of the publicity that some other American aces received and is often overlooked when discussing Historical American Aces.[11]
Honours and awards
- Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Pilot Officer Lance Wade (68717), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 33 Squadron.[12]
- Citation for the award of Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross to Acting Flight Lieutenant Lance Wade (68717), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 33 Squadron.[13]
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross this officer has destroyed 7 enemy aircraft thus bring his total victories to 15. In September, 1942, during a reconnaissance patrol his aircraft was attacked by some 8 Italian fighters. Flight Lieutenant Wade, however, fought them off. By his skill and determination he contributed materially to the success of the reconnaissance and much valuable information was obtained. Flight Lieutenant Wade's courage and devotion to duty has been an inspiration to all.
- Citation for the award of a second Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross to Acting Squadron Leader Lance Wade (68717), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 145 Squadron.[14]
the leader of a squadron which has achieved much success in recent operations. During March, 1943, the squadron destroyed 21 enemy aircraft, 4 of which were shot down by Squadron Leader Wade. By his great skill and daring, this officer has contributed materially to the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. Squadron Leader Wade has destroyed 19 enemy aircraft.
- Citation for the award of the Distinguished Service Order to Wing Commander Lance Wade DFC (68717), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 33 Squadron.[15]
References
- ^ Lance C. Wade at Find a Grave
- ISBN 0-7643-0348-1.
- ^ Associated Press, "Great Ace Dies in Air Accident - Lance Wade Was Real Yank With the R. A. F.", The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, 20 January 1944, Volume 61, Number 251, page 2.
- ^ "Forgotten RAF Ace". HistoryNet. 12 June 2006.
- ISBN 9781473848436.
- ^ ""Wildcat" Wade: The Forgotten RAF Ace". 12 June 2006.
- ^ "Fighter Pilot Quits War Bond Meetings".
- ^ ""Wildcat" Wade: The Forgotten RAF Ace". 12 June 2006.
- ^ ""Wildcat" Wade: The Forgotten RAF Ace". 12 June 2006.
- ^ ""Wildcat" Wade: The Forgotten RAF Ace". 12 June 2006.
- ISBN 0-7643-0348-1. Page 137
- ^ "No. 35514". The London Gazette (Supplement). 7 April 1942. p. 1557.
- ^ "No. 35741". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 October 1942. p. 4437.
- ^ "No. 35992". The London Gazette (Supplement). 27 April 1943. p. 1905.
- ^ "No. 36346". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 January 1944. p. 483.