Recipient of The George Cross Medal of Honour for Civilian Bravery. Hollowday was awarded his medal for bravery at Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England, in August 1940, while serving as an Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force. On two occasions, in July and August 1940 at Cranfield, Bedfordshire, Aircraftman Hollowday tried to rescue airmen from crashed aircraft which had burst into flames. On the second occasion, in spite of the danger of exploding ammunition, he managed to extricate two of the three airmen, but unfortunately all three were dead. His citation reads-"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to the undermentioned: -935282 Aircraftman First Class Vivian Hollowday. One night in July, 1940, when returning to camp, this airman observed an aircraft crash and burst into flames. He immediately proceeded to the wreckage and made his way through the burning debris which was scattered over a wide area by the force of the impact. He found the pilot whose clothing was on fire, and put out the flames with his bare hands. Had the pilot not been killed instantly in the crash this action would in all probability have saved his life. During August, 1940, this airman was again returning to the camp when an aircraft spun to the ground and exploded. He immediately went to the crash and a second explosion occurred. Ammunition was exploding all the time but despite this, he borrowed a gas mask, wrapped two sacks over himself and spent some time in the flames, making four attempts before he succeeded in releasing the first occupant. He then re-entered the burning wreckage and successfully removed the second. All three occupants, however, were already dead. Aircraftman Hollowday displayed amazing courage and initiative on both occasions." Hollowday's other medals and awards include the 1939 to 1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939 to 1945 with Oak Leaf, a 1953 Coronation Medal, the Cross for European Confederation, Australian Bronze Medal, Cross of French Societe des Anciens Combatants, and the Belgian Albert I Merit Cross with One Gold and One Silver Palm.