"Wing Commander Richard (Dick) Cresswell faced more than 450 hours flying hazardous operational missions as the leader of an Australian fighter squadron in two wars - first, in World War II, and then in the Korean War of 1950-53. In these conflicts he was three times the Commanding Officer of the famed 77th Squadron. Moreover, on each occasion that he commanded No 77 Squadron, it was committed to the sharp end of the campaigns in which he fought. Not many fighter leaders of the Royal Australian Air Force achieved this remarkable distinction, which seemed to challenge the rules. Because of his distinguished service leading No 77 Squadron in war, he became known throughout the RAAF as Mr Double Seven."--Provided by publisher.
