Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Distinguished Flying Medal awarded to Flight Sergeant Francis Daniel Murphy, Royal Australian Air Force, whilst serving with 158 Squadron

DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL, G.VI.R. (Aus. 419133F.Sgt., R.A.A.F.) contact marks, nearly very fine

D.F.M., London Gazette, 20th February 1945: Flight Sergeant Francis Daniel Murphy, R.A.A.F., 158 Squadron. The following citation is taken from an official letter from the Governor-General of Australia which accompanies the medal: ‘Flight Sergeant Murphy has completed an eventful and successful tour of operations, his accurate gunnery, outstanding courage and consistent keeness having been most praiseworthy at all times. In September, 1944, during an attack against KIEL he destroyed an enemy fighter. While engaged on another mission against KIEL his aircraft was attacked by a Junkers 88 which damaged the tail plan and Flight Sergeant Murphy was wounded in the foot. In spite of his injury this courageous airman kept his guns firing and damaged the enemy aircraft which broke off the engagement. By his cheerful determination, fortitude and devotion to duty Flight Sergeant Murphy has set an excellent example to all aircrew.’