HALE, S/L Edward Birney (C1408)
![[DFC Ribbon]](r_dfc.gif)
Distinguished Flying Cross - Mention in Despatches - No.161 Squadron - Award effective 1 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 113/44 dated 21 January 1944. Born at Toledo, Ohio, 30 May 1914. Pre-war Imperial Airways pilot, home in Kingston; enlisted in Toronto 27 November 1939. Remained in postwar RCAF; commanded No.412 Squadron in immediate postwar period and was appointed CO of Chatham in 1949; appointed to command North Luffenham in 1951. Flew Sabres in Korea (awarded American DFC) and rose to Air Commodore rank. Also awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 6 November 1953 while at AFHQ. Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26, Volume 57, file 190-I) has citation.
Squadron Leader Hale is Officer Commanding a squadron which he has organized with outstanding success. By his active part in flying operations and his ability as a Bomber Reconnaissance pilot, he has set a splendid example to those serving under him.
HALE, S/L Edward Birney (C1408)
Distinguished Flying Cross - Mention in Despatches - No.161 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron - Award effective 6 January 1945 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 132/45 dated 26 January 1945. As of DFC recommendation he had flown 1,960 hours, 871 of them operational (120 sorties). Governor General's Records (RG.7 Group 26, Vol.58, file 190-I, dossier 6 gives citation.
This officer has completed many sorties on anti-submarine operations in the North Atlantic area. The high degree of success he has obtained has been largely due to his untiring efforts and outstanding skill as a pilot. He has displayed courage, determination and devotion to duty of a very high order, which qualities have been reflected in the keenness of his squadron. He is a courageous and resourceful captain of aircraft who has made an outstanding record throughout his flying career.