KEEFER, George Clinton
Stats:
rank: W/Cstatus: survived
airforce: RCAF (no: J5022 )
born: 1921-07-11 Canada
added by: Bravo Bravo Aviation
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Bio / Text:
George Keefer was born in New York City on July 11, 1921, to Canadian parents. His family later settled in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Before the war, he studied engineering for a year at Yale University in the United States. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in October 1940, earning his commission and pilot wings in April 1941. Arriving in the UK in June, he trained at 59 OTU before being posted to the Middle East, joining 274 Squadron in September. On June 4, 1942, he landed near Bir Hacheim to rescue Lt. J. Lane of 4 SAAF Squadron, flying him back in his Hurricane’s cockpit. He remained with 274 Squadron until August 1942, after which he became an instructor at 1 METS Air Fighting School, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).
Returning to the UK in February 1943, Keefer was posted to 416 Squadron in May to regain operational experience, then transferred to 412 Squadron as a flight commander a week later. In June, he took command of the unit, leading it until April 1944, when he was awarded a Bar to his DFC and promoted to Wing Commander Flying of 126 Wing. After participating in the Normandy invasion, he was rested in July and returned to Canada on leave. He returned to Europe in September, serving at RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London until November, when he was assigned to Belgium to lead 125 Wing, flying Spitfire XIVs. In October, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and continued commanding his wing until the war's end, achieving multiple victories in the final weeks. He later received a Bar to his DSO, the French Croix de Guerre with Gold Star, and the Netherlands Flying Cross.
After the war, Keefer returned to Canada in August 1945, serving at the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington and attending Staff College before leaving the RCAF in February 1947. He then joined Canadair, rising to Vice President. In 1968, he resigned and purchased a plastics factory in Granby, managing it until his passing.
Returning to the UK in February 1943, Keefer was posted to 416 Squadron in May to regain operational experience, then transferred to 412 Squadron as a flight commander a week later. In June, he took command of the unit, leading it until April 1944, when he was awarded a Bar to his DFC and promoted to Wing Commander Flying of 126 Wing. After participating in the Normandy invasion, he was rested in July and returned to Canada on leave. He returned to Europe in September, serving at RCAF Overseas Headquarters in London until November, when he was assigned to Belgium to lead 125 Wing, flying Spitfire XIVs. In October, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and continued commanding his wing until the war's end, achieving multiple victories in the final weeks. He later received a Bar to his DSO, the French Croix de Guerre with Gold Star, and the Netherlands Flying Cross.
After the war, Keefer returned to Canada in August 1945, serving at the Canadian Joint Staff in Washington and attending Staff College before leaving the RCAF in February 1947. He then joined Canadair, rising to Vice President. In 1968, he resigned and purchased a plastics factory in Granby, managing it until his passing.
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