13 Facts About Donald Kingaby

Donald Kingaby was the only person to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal three times.

Donald Kingaby was born in Holloway, London, on 7 January 1920, the son of clergyman.

Donald Kingaby joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in April 1939 when 19 years old.

Later in the year Donald Kingaby was posted to No 122 Squadron as flight commander and then squadron commander.

On 20 January 1943 Donald Kingaby shot down Unteroffizier Helmut Peters of 6 Staffel Jagdgeschwader 26, who was killed in action.

An acting wing commander at the war's end, Donald Kingaby was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross from the United States Government on 15 May 1945, and the Croix de guerre from Belgium on 15 June.

Donald Kingaby served in the RAF until his retirement on 29 September 1958, retaining the rank of wing commander.

Donald Kingaby subsequently moved to the United States, where he resided until his death in Massachusetts on New Year's Eve 1990.

Donald Kingaby has destroyed at least nine hostile aircraft, four of which he shot down in one day.

Donald Kingaby has now destroyed at least fourteen enemy aircraft and damaged others.

Donald Kingaby has participated in 36 operational sorties during which he has destroyed 17, probably destroyed 6 and damaged a further 7 enemy aircraft.

Flight Sergeant Donald Kingaby has at all times displayed the greatest determination and sound judgment, combined with a high standard of operational efficiency.

Squadron Leader Donald Kingaby has taken part in more than 300 operational missions, a large number of which have been over enemy territory.