[1] In 1917 Curtis was promoted to captain and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom) (DSC) for his skill and courage.

Curtis became Officer Commanding in 1935 and initiated experimental air operations in mid-northern Ontario.

[4] He always devoted time to other aviation concerns: was President of the RCAF Association for two years until he was appointed Grand President of that organization, founded and organized the Canadian National Air Show in 1939 and served as chairman of its scholarship fund and was appointed the Honorary Wing Commander of the No.

Other interests included the chairmanship of the committee that formed York University, of which he was elected Chancellor in 1960.

During his term of office, he continually and successfully directed his efforts to secure money for experimental work on and production of a jet trainer and twin engine fighters, the CF-100 Canuck and the CF-105 Arrow suitable for interception operations in the northern Canadian climate.

Early in the Cold War, he convinced the cabinet that the RCAF should make a major contribution to NATO.

This major contribution of 300 front line aircraft was the principal air defense force on that continent during the 1950s.

If there could be named a "Father of Canada's Post War Air Force", Wilfred Curtis would be the outstanding nominee.