 Although McAloney 's rescue attempt was unsuccessful , the president of the RAAF court of inquiry into the incident , Squadron Leader Charles Eaton , noted his " conspicuous gallantry " and the coroner publicly commended McAloney 's actions . McAloney 's efforts that day were ultimately recognised with the award of the Albert Medal , the announcement of which was widely circulated in the media . The notification and accompanying citation for the decoration was published in the London Gazette on 18 February 1938 , reading : 
