D.F.M. London Gazette 9.7.1940. Recommendation states 'This N.C.O. Wireless Operator/Air Gunner has undertaken 13 long operational flights over enemy territory, many of them in very bad weather and under conditions of considerable difficulty. As the Senior Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in his Squadron, he has invariably displayed resourcefulness, coolness and determination in the face of the enemy, great efficiency as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner and has set a fine example'.

Flight Sergeant George Edward Appleton, D.F.M., enlisted in the Royal Air Force in January 1938 and trained as an Aircraft Hand Wireless Operator. Posted to No. 49 Squadron as an A.C. 1, he flew his first operational sortie in one of the Squadron's Hampdens on 21.12.1939, in the event an unsuccessful outing to try and locate the Battleship Deutschland - on the return trip the Squadron was approached by some enemy aircraft but luckily not engaged. Promoted to Leading Aircraftman, Appleton next flew operationally in the Squadron C.O's aircraft on a 'nickelling' trip on 18.1.1940. Continuing to fly on a regular basis throughout that Winter, he became a permanent crew member in Squadron Leader Lowe's aircraft and gained advancement to Corporal. On 14.4.1940, while returning from an operation over the North Sea, his Hampden suffered engine failure as a result of the appalling weather. A subsequent crash-landing resulted in the death of the Observer but Appleton was lucky to get away with slight concussion. Advanced to Sergeant, he was back in action just two weeks later, future targets including Amiens, Brest and the Island of Texel. Gazetted for his D.F.M. in August, Appleton had completed at least 24 sorties by the time of being transferred to a Gunnery Leader's Course at Castle Kennedy, Wigtownshire, Scotland. Tragically, on 27.7.1941, he was killed in a flying accident. His final promotion to Flight Sergeant came through after his death.