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 James F. Spears
Staff Sergeant James F. Spears distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 March 1969. On that date, Sergeant Spears went to the aid of an exhausted swimmer who had been swept to sea by a strong undertow. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Spears, despite the presence of many sharks and the proven power of the undertow, jumped from his helicopter into the sea beside the struggling swimmer and successfully pulled him through the surf to safety on the beach. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Spears has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.