Hosted by PJs in
Vietnam
Last Update:
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Site Mission: Provide Pararescue
and Air Rescue History
Airman's or Soldier's Medal Recipients
Attention to orders. Citation to accompany the award of the Airman's Medal to Staff Sergeant Billy R. Davidson
Staff Sergeant Billy R. Davidson distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Hedo Point, Okinawa, Japan on 26 October 1969 while serving as a Pararescueman aboard an HH-3E helicopter. On that date, during the hours of darkness, Sergeant Davidson saved the life of an Army enlisted man who was seriously injured when he fell down a cliff onto jagged rocks. Although hampered by darkness and high winds, Sergeant Davidson descended the cliff by rope to save him from a rising tide. While the victim was being hoisted to safety, sharp rocks severed the rope. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Davidson quickly placed himself under the falling man and caught him before he again hit the rocks. Even though he had sustained personal injuries when catching the man, Sergeant Davidson continued to aid the man and keep him above the water level for several hours until a rescue was made possible by the receding tide. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Davidson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.