S/Ldr J. F. McElroyof Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada served with 54, 249, 421 and 416 Squadrons.

The citation for his D.F.C. reads, in part: "During recent air fighting over Malta this officer showed great courage and outstanding determination."

During an interception on 12th October, 1942, he destroyed an Me.109 and pursued a Ju.88. Six enemy fighters were in close proximity and McEiroy turned towards them and destroyed one before they broke off the fight. Three days later his section attacked a formation of Ju.88s and McEiroy probably destroyed one of them.

On another occasion when one of his buddies was forced to bail out over the sea, McEiroy guided a rescue launch to the downed pilot, in spite of the presence of enemy fighters.

His final tally was 13½ enemy aircraft destroyed, 2½ probables, and 9 others damaged.