While visiting the base's sub-station at RAF Tholthorpe, an incident occurred which earned Ross the George Cross, the highest gallantry award for civilians as well as for military personnel in actions which are not in the face of the enemy.

One night in June, 1944, an aircraft, while attempting to land, crashed into another which was parked in the dispersal area and fully loaded with bombs.

Air Commodore Ross with the assistance of Corporal Marquet, extricated the pilot who had sustained severe injuries.

Despite further explosions from bombs and petrol tanks which might have occurred, Air Commodore Ross and Corporal Marquet returned to the blazing wreckage and endeavoured in vain to swing the turret to release the rear gunner.

Taking the axe again the air commodore, assisted now by Flight Sergeant St. Germain as well as by Corporal Marquet, finally broke the perspex steel frame supports and extricated the rear gunner.

Flight Sergeant St. Germain quickly rose and threw himself upon a victim in order to shield him from flying debris.

Meanwhile, Corporal Marquet had inspected the surroundings, and seeing petrol running down towards two nearby aircraft, directed their removal from the vicinity by tractor.

Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe rendered valuable assistance in trying to bring the fire under control and they also helped to extricate the trapped rear gunner both being seriously injured by flying debris.

Air Commodore Ross showed fine leadership and great heroism in an action which resulted in the saving of the lives of the pilot and rear gunner.

He was ably assisted by Flight Sergeant St. Germain and Corporal Marquet who both displayed courage of a high order.

Valuable service was also rendered by Leading Aircraftmen McKenzie and Wolfe in circumstances of great danger.From 1945 to 1948, Ross commanded the RCAF Staff College in Toronto, Ontario.