asked the Minister for Defence if he will state why Private John Mahon, Regn. No. 76705, Air Corps, Baldonnel, did not get official recognition for his heroism in trying to save the pilot of the aeroplane that crashed near Baldonnel on 19th August, 1946, and whether he will now consider giving him a medal or certificate for his gallantry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldier's Gallantry.
Private Mahon received official recognition by a citation in the orders of his unit for his action in the case mentioned, and, as the Deputy has already been informed, if application is made for a certified copy of this such application will be granted.
I regret that owing to the lapse of time since the occurrence it is not possible under the relevant Defence Force regulation to consider the grant of the Military Medal for Gallantry to Private Mahon.