| John Milne Checketts | |
|---|---|
| February 20, 1912 - April 23, 2006 | |
| Nickname | Johnny |
| Place of birth | Invercargill, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | RNZAF |
| Years of service | 1940-1955 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Silver Star (US) Polish Cross of Valour |
Wing Commander John "Johnny" Milne Checketts DSO DFC (20 February 1912 - 23 April 2006) was a World War II Flying ace.
He was born in Invercargill, New Zealand, and joined the RNZAF in October 1940. He is an Air Ace credited with 14.5 kills. He was later a Wing Commander leading three squadrons in Operation Overlord. He was awarded the US Silver Star in 1944 and the Polish Cross of Valour in 1945.
Quote
On war - "It is destructive. Everything about it is to destroy and I don't think human beings are brought into this world to destroy things. They are brought into the world to preserve." — Johnny Checketts.
External links
- New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum [1]
- A deep affection for the French [2]
- Destroyed Flying Bombs and E-Boats [3]
- Hair-raising brushes with Luftwaffe fighters
