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 Chief Master Sergeant John F. Tobey
Chief Master Sergeant John F. Tobey distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Deep Creek, Alaska, on 6 July 1985. On that date, Chief Tobey responded to a United States Park Service request to attempt the rescue of five people whose boat had capsized in Cook Inlet. With complete disregard for his own safety, and despite extremely hazardous sea conditions, Chief Tobey unhesitatingly made three attempts at recovering all of the personnel from the frigid Alaskan waters. He assisted in repeatedly launching the fifteen and one-half foot boat from the beach into four to five foot breakers and overcoming eight to ten foot waves offshore for nearly three hours. His physical recovery of the victims and the timely medical treatment he performed in the wildly pitching boat ensured success in the recovery attempt resulting in one person being saved and two others recovered. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Chief Tobey has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.