Nicholas Alkemade's Flight Sergeant Badge

Origin
Nicholas Stephen Alkemade (1922 - 1987) received the rank of Flight Sergeant a few weeks before the ill-fated bombing run on Berlin. While returning from the raid his Avro Lancaster B Mark II was attacked by a Luftwaffe Ju 88 night-fighter. The German airship tore through the hull of his plane. The choices were burn to death in the crashing plane, or bail. Of the two choices bailing might have been instant however he didn't have a working parachute. Regardless burning didn't look right so he jumped. Alkemade was certain he was going to die and sent a prayer not to God but to his wife back home, apologizing for not being able to hold his son again.

Effects
The desire to at least see his newborn son at least one caused his badge to grant that wish. Falling 18,000 feet his landing was cushioned by pine trees and soft snow but rose with nothing more than a sprained leg. Alkemade was captured by enemy forces and after being a POW for a year he returned home to his family. Papers reported later he 'took a misstep and fell off his steps' and managed to break both legs and one arm.