Pilot - Underwent pilot training Ashtabula, OH, USA, too young to join USAAF at 20yrs old, enlisted RCAF Jan 41, No 5 SFTS Course 39: September 25 - December 18, 1941, Brantford Ontario, joined RAF, assigned to 121 [Eagle] Sqn RAF via OTU 11-6-42, transferred to 126 Sqn RAF for Malta defense, enlisted USAAF 13 Dec 1942, transferred to 64th FS, 57th FG, 9th AF.





Nick was too young for the U.S. Air Corps so in October of 1940 he hitchhiked to Ottawa and volunteered for the Royal Air Force. He completed pilot training, was awarded his flying badge and appointed Sergeant in December of 1941. On June 11, 1942 he was assigned to the 121 Eagle Fighter Squadron at Southend-on-Sea where he flew missions over England and France. He was one of only 244 pilots to fly for the Eagle Squadrons. On August 5, 1942 he volunteered to serve in Malta. His first mission was to ferry a Spitfire from the HMS Furious (Operation Bellows) to Malta in the pivotal “Operation Pedestal” that saved Malta from a planned surrender. On December 13, 1942 he was posted to North Africa and transferred into the U.S. Army Air Force. He become a fighter pilot, First Lieutenant in the 57th Fighter Group, 64th Fighter Squadron.



Awards: AM (OLC), WWII Victory, EAME (3 battle stars).