A decorated war veteran who is the only remaining person from his Lancaster bomber unit to have flown sorties over Germany was the victim of a "callous" burglary.
Detectives are appealing for information after the 87-year-old's home in Barnstaple, Devon, was targeted on Saturday.
The veteran has received a number of medals in recognition of the brave role he played during the war, which were stolen and later tossed aside by the thieves.
On Saturday his home was broken into and his personal items scattered to the floor- including many of his military service photographs and memorabilia.
The pensioner left his home on Park Lane at around 2pm and stayed overnight at a friend's house.
On returning the following morning he found the house had been broken into after a rear kitchen window had been forced.
Seven secured doors inside the property had been smashed and a search of every room carried out.
A police spokesman said three flat-screen televisions were stolen from the property.
Detective constable Noel Bourke added: "This was a callous crime which targeted an 87-year-old war veteran.
"Those responsible thought nothing of stealing medals honouring his achievements but fortunately these were recovered discarded near to the house and returned to this gentleman.
"I hope that the nature of this offence will prompt people who may have information to come forward or may even prick the consciences of the offenders to hand themselves in or at the very least return the televisions."
Each year on May 4 - the Dutch Remembrance Day - the last surviving members of Bomber Command visit Dronten and pay their respects to all of the aircrew who lost their lives in the liberation of Europe.
As the only remaining member of his unit he attends Dronten in Holland for a festival in recognition of the assistance provided by Bomber Command where he is treated as a VIP for the work carried out by him and his colleagues.
A memorial stands on a pedestal of a three-bladed propeller of the same type featured on the Lancaster Bomber and was funded by the Dutch people to say thank you to the 55,573 Allied Bomber aircrew from the Royal Air Force Bomber Command and allied crews who were killed during World War 2.
Commenting on the burglary police said it is thought the crime may be linked to a burglary at a neighbouring property in which a garden shed was entered and fishing rods, a mountain bike and a Bosch chainsaw were stolen.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police, quoting reference CB/12/598 or contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.