William Ernest Clarke was a pilot with Adastra Airways during the airline years. Until the publication of this page we didn't even know his first name. Thanks go to Dennis Berryman for making the connection. The fact that the above citation lists the recipient's address as care of Adastra Airways establishes the connection beyond doubt.

On 21 January 1942 Clarke was preparing to depart Salamaua for Wau at noon in Mandated Airlines DH.84 Dragon VH-USA in company with Kevin Parer who was flying DH.84 Dragon VH-AEA belonging to Parer's Air Transport. Clarke later wrote that Parer was in his cockpit but having trouble getting an engine started and called Clarke over to help swing the propeller.

I had just got hold of the propeller when Japanese fighters roared in about 50 feet overhead. A burst of machine gun fire from another sprayed around us. I dropped under the shelter of the engine. I got up and saw Kevin get out of his seat and dash to the back of the cabin where he was hit and fell. The Japs were still coming. I covered Kevin with a blanket and made for a shelter. When the Japs were clear I ran out to the plane, which was now on fire. I tried to get Kevin out but I couldn't manage it. The Japs saw me and came back and let me have it. A couple of bullets ripped across my legs above the knees but they were nothing - only shallow flesh wounds. But for Kevin's engine not starting, we would both have been shot down in the air.

Clarke also received severe burns to his hands from his attempt to drag Kevin Parer from his burning Dragon. Natives evacuated him to Kokoda and he was then flown to hospital in Australia. (Source: 1)

Sadly, Clarke was killed in the crash of DC-3 callsign VHCXD at Bamaga, Qld on 5 May 1945. At the time he was employed by Australian National Airways and was operating the aircraft on behalf of the US military. (Source: 2 which see for a full biography)

As stated in the above citation, Clarke was awarded the George Medal for bravery at a ceremony at Admiralty House in Sydney on 10 December 1943. Thus Adastra had two George Medal recipients in its employ, the other recipient being Lionel Van Praag.

Find A Grave:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/89299682/william-ernest-clarke