Distinguished Flying Cross: Flight Lieutenant Douglas Charles Hurst, 77 Squadron, RAAF

Distinguished Flying Cross. Impressed on reverse lower arm with date of award.

Douglas Charles Hurst was born in Brisbane in 1923. In 1942, he enlisted in the RAAF, flying Kittyhawks on fighter-bomber operations with 80 Squadron. Post war, he served with 82 Squadron (BCOF) in Japan. In 1948, he returned to Australia, and after conversion to Meteors, flew as a flight commander with 77 Squadron in Korea during 1952, where he was awarded the DFC and US Air Medal for his gallantry in ground attack operations. He later served in Malaya, and was Australian Air Attache in Washington 1964-66. Doug Hurst retired from the RAAF in 1970 with the rank of group captain. The citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross reads as follows: 'Since September, 1952, Flight Lieutenant D.C. HURST has held the appointment of Flight Commander in No.77 (Interceptor/Fighter) Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, operating from a forward air base in KOREA. During his current tour of operations, Flight Lieutenant HURST has already flown one hundred and twenty one Meteor jet fighter sorties against the enemy, eighty-six of these sorties being ground attack strikes. These ground attack strikes, consisting of rocketing and strafing, have been directed against heavily defended enemy troop concentrations, supply centres, lines of communication and ammunition dumps. On 22nd September 1952, Flight Lieutenant HURST directed and led a Squadron rocket attack against a dangerous build-up of enemy troops in North West KOREA. Although met by intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, this officer brilliantly led the Squadron in a low, daring attack, which successfully destroyed the target. [Hurst was flying out of Kimpo for an operation over Map reference YC5143. His log book indicates that the village at this reference was burnt out with napalm] Throughout his many operations, Flight Lieutenant HURST has displayed complete disregard for personal safety, and his courage, and great leadership ability have brought great credit upon himself and the Royal Australian Air Force.'