Falconbridge, ON

William Leo Bouvier


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.