David C Fairbanks - Pilot Profile

David C Fairbanks

Victories : 12.5
-----------------------------
Country : US
Fought in : WW2
Fought for : Allied
Died : 1975


Distinguished Flying Cross	Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross	Two Bars to the Distinguished Flying Cross

Spitfire and Tempest pilot. Serving with No.3 Sqn and No274 Sqn RCAF, he claimed many enemy aircraft, including two Me109s and another damaged during one sortie. On one occasion, his Tempest was hit at low altitude and flipped upside down on fire. Where this would have meant disaster for most pilots, Fairbanks flew the aircraft inverted for a time before righting it, and by doing so put out the fire, which had already damaged his aircraft. After this he successfully returned to base. Later he was shot down and taken prisoner until the end of the war. He passed away in 1975.
Citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted 16th March 1945 :

Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks has completed a large number of sorties and has set a fine example of determination and devotion to duty throughout. On one occasion in November 1944, whilst attacking an enemy locomotive, his aircraft was badly hit and turned completely over while at a low altitude. One of the petrol tanks was pierced and a fire commenced in one of the wings. Displaying admirable coolness and great skill, Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks succeeded in righting the aircraft and set course for home. The fire in the wing died down but not before it had done much damage. Nevertheless, Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks succeeded in reaching base. This officer has invariably displayed a high degree of courage.

Citation for the Bar to the DFC, gazetted 13th April 1945 :

This officer continues to display a high standard of skill and gallantry. Within recent weeks he has destroyed five enemy aircraft, bringing his victories to eight. Flight Lieutenant Fairbanks has also effectively attacked many enemy targets on the ground. His keenness and determination have set a high example to all.

Citation for the Bar to the DFC, gazetted 14th September 1945 :

Squadron Leader Fairbanks has destroyed fifteen enemy aircraft. On two separate occasions since his last award he has shot down two aircraft in one sortie and in less than a fortnight he has destroyed six, including a jet propelled aircraft. As a flight and then a squadron commander he has led many daring and highly successful attacks on enemy communications, principally locomotives and road transport. In three weeks seventy-two enemy locomotives and vehicles were successfully attacked. By the excellent example he has set, his initiative and fine leadership, this officer has inspired the other members of his squadron and all pilots with whom he has come in contact.

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Known Victory Claims - David C Fairbanks
DATE	PILOT	UNIT	JG	CLAIMED	LOCATION	TIME	FRONT

08/06/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.501 Sqn	Me109	Western Front
08/06/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.501 Sqn	Me109	Western Front
29/08/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	V1	Western Front
17/12/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me109	Western Front
17/12/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me109	Western Front
17/12/1944	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me109	Western Front
04/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Fw190	Western Front
14/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Me109	Western Front
14/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Fw190	Western Front
23/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Ju52	Western Front
23/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Ju88	Western Front
23/01/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.3 Sqn	Ju88	Western Front
11/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Ar234	Western Front
14/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me262	Western Front
16/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me109	Western Front
16/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Me109	Western Front
22/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Fw190	Western Front
22/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Fw190	Western Front
24/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Fw190	Western Front
28/02/1945	Squadron Leader David Fairbanks	No.274 Sqn RCAF	Fw190	Western Front

Known Claims : 20

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