William Robert Kofoed

William Robert Kofoed is born on 28 December 1915 in New Zealand. He is with little doubt of Danish descent. He is a farmer before the war, but enlists on 24 November 1940.

He serves in the RNZAF in Europe, Africa and Italy in No. 642 Squadron, RNZAF, No. 40 Squadron, RNZAF and as Commander of RNZAF Taieri.

He is appointed Acting Squadron Leader on 30 May 1944 and Wing Commander on 1 November 1944. He returns to New Zealand on 30 May 1944 and becomes Commanding Officer (CO) of RNZAF Taieri on 6 November 1944. Bougainville, 1945. Aide-de-camp (ADC) to New Zealand's Governor-General, 1946 - 1948. Officer Commanding (OC) of 4 Otago (Territorial) Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1948 - 1950.

He is awarded a number of military awards: Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 1939-45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, Africa Star (North Africa 1942-43 clasp), Pacific Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45, New Zealand War Service Medal.

DSO citation : NZ Gazette, 6 May 1944.

"This officer has already completed a tour of operations against objectives in Europe and the Middle East. During his second tour of duty, he has attacked such targets as Palermo and Catatania and has taken part in flights over the battle areas in the Tunisian campaign. On one sortie over Palermo, a photoflash exploded in the fuselage of his aircraft which was badly damaged. By superb handling, however, Squadron Leader Kofoed flew his aircraft safely back to base - a flight of 8 hours duration. His determination in identifying and attacking the selection targets even in poor visibility and in the face of intense opposition has been inspiring to the crews of the squadron."

(Haigh, J., Polaschek, A. (compilers). (1993). New Zealand and the Distinguished Service Order. Christchurch, The Authors, http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com)