Critton J. PAPPAS, 2-Lieutenant, SAAF

Killed in Action, Korea, 4 November, 1951

Lieutenant Pretorious was leading a flight consisting of 2/Lt. Critton Pappas, who was flying his first combat mission, as No. 2, 2/Lt. Retief, No. 3, and Lt. Maskell, No. 4 on a rail interdiction attack against rail yards in area YD. They were each carrying a full load of two 500 lb. bombs, four rockets and full .50 cal. machine gun ammunition.

All four attacked their primary target with bombs as briefed, and proceeded to their secondary target at CT0748, where they armed their rockets and attacked the target. Pappas disappeared during that attack.

It was reported that a very bright silvery flash was seen as Pappas pulled out of his dive. It appeared that he had suddenly been hit by anti-aircraft fire, although only 20 mm hostile flak had been encountered in the vicinity. The rest of the flight searched the vicinity for some sign of a crashed aircraft but none could be found, nor could they find any sign of Lt. Pappas.