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 Terrence A. Treutel
Staff Sergeant Terrence A. Treutel distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Naha Air Base, Okinawa, on 27 July 1970. On that date, Sergeant Treutel made numerous dives to recover personnel and important documents from a large civilian cargo airliner, which had crashed in the ocean near the runway. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite the hazards of jagged metal in the wreckage, incoming tides, and a heavy concentration of jet fuel in the salt water, Sergeant Treutel persevered in his humanitarian efforts until no further possibility of survival existed for the trapped crewmembers. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Treutel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.