DISTINGUISHED
FLYING MEDAL (DFM)
This medal is awarded to non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and men for an
act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying
in active operations against the enemy. The reigning monarch is on the
front of the medal, but the reverse is more imaginative with Athena Nike
sitting on an airplane holding an eagle in the right hand. Above Athena
are the words FOR COURAGE. Athena Nike was one of the Greek goddesses of
victory. The DFM was created on June 3, 1918, until 1919 the stripes were
horizontal.
A straight silver bar with an eagle in the centre is awarded for
a further act that would have warranted the medal. The year of the award
is engraved on the back of the bar.
A total of 556 DFMs were awarded to Canadians, although not all of
them were in RCAF squadrons.
Canadian
Aces Home Page
Images From: For more information on this and other medals
see:Veterans
Affairs Canada, Medals Page.