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 First Oak Leaf Cluster to Senior Master Sergeant Alan W. Manuel
Senior Master Sergeant Alan W. Manuel distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life at or near Promontory Point, Utah, on 17 April 1992. On that date, Sergeant Manuel was the pararescueman involved in rescuing three Boy Scouts when high winds capsized their canoes in the Great Salt Lake. With complete disregard for his own safety and knowing full well that the crew might not be able to return for him, Sergeant Manuel jumped from the helicopter into the Great Salt Lake to place two totally incapacitated survivors on the hoist for extraction. Sergeant Manuel combated five-foot waves while he waited in the water for the helicopter to return after off-loading the first two survivors on shore. Following his extraction, Sergeant Manuel rode the hoist down one hundred feet to the third survivor, secured him to the hoist, and then assisted loading him into the cabin. Sergeant Manuel’s unhesitating dedication and selfless commitment undoubtedly saved the lives of three Boy Scouts. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Manuel reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.