| Keith Frederick Thiele
DFC 11/8/1942
Acting Squadron Leader Keith Frederick THIELE (N.Z.404966), Royal .New Zealand Air Force, No. 405 (R.C.A.F.) Squadron
Distinguished Service Order 11/5/1943
Flight Lieutenant Keith Frederick THIELE, D.F.C. (N.Z40496), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron.
The majority of this officers sorties have been attacks on well-defended and distant targets which have all been highly successful. On one occasion during an attack on Berlin his rear gunner lost consciousness from lack of oxygen, but Fit. Lt. Thiele proceeded with the mission although two of the crew were fully occupied with the unconscious man. Later he returned to this country at a very low altitude in an attempt to succour the gunner. While on a flight to Nuremberg in March, 1943, the port engine caught fire early on the outward journey. The flames were extinguished, however, and the whole flight accomplished with success
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. 25/5/1943
Acting Squadron Leader Keith Frederick THIELE, D.S.O., D.F.C. (N.Z.404966), Royal New Zealand Air Force, No. 467 (R.A.A.F.) Squadron.
One night in May, 1943, this officer captained an aircraft detailed to attack Duisburg. When nearing the target area, the aircraft was subjected to anti-aircraft fire and severely damaged when a shell burst underneath the fuselage. Despite this. Squadron Leader Thiele flew on to the target. Whilst making his bombing run, the aircraft was illuminated by the searchlights but this captain maintained a straight course in order to ensure accurate bombing. Just as the bomb aimer had completed his work, the aircraft was repeatedly hit by fragments from bursting shells. One burst destroyed i of the engines, whilst shortly afterwards a second engine was disabled. The windscreens on the starboard side of the pilot's and the bomb aimer's cabins were shattered. Although he was dazed by a blow from a shell splinter, which struck him on the side of the head. Squadron Leader Thiele skilfully extricated the damaged bomber from a perilous situation and endeavoured to fly it to base. Shortly after crossing the English coast he was unable to maintain height but, displaying superb airmanship he struggled on and succeeded in effecting a crashlanding at an airfield. In most hazardous circumstances, Squadron Leader Thiele displayed courage, skill and determination of a high order.
Second Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross. 4/5/1945
Flight Lieutenant Keith Frederick THIELE, D.S.O., D.F.C. (N.Z.404966), R.N.Z.A.F., 3 Sqn.
This officer's operational record is outstanding. As pilot of a bomber aircraft he completed two tours of duty during which he took part hi very many attacks on enemy targets Since joining his present squadron, Flight Lieutenant Thiele has taken part in a large number of sorties, involving has personally been responsible for the destruction of numerous locomotives, barges and mechanical vehicles. In air fighting he has shot down 2 enemy aircraft. This officer has displayed the highest qualities of skill, together with great bravery and iron determination. His example has inspired all.
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