Master Sergeant  Donald W. Shelton distinguished himself by heroism as a Pararescueman while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force near Panama City, Panama, from 18 December 1989 to 30 December 1989. During this period, while engaged in the triage and treatment of combat casualties during the initial hours of Operation Just Cause, Sergeant Shelton's exceptional skills, dedication and courage under fire were directly responsible for saving the lives of several critically wounded American soldiers. Deployed to Rio Hato airfield, Sergeant Shelton quickly integrated with combat control and pararescue forces to treat and transport casualties to collection points and prepare them for evacuation. He flew combat search and rescue missions to the forward battle areas and provided medical coverage for Army units engaged in the neutralization of the Panamanian Defense Force. Throughout Operation Just Cause, Sergeant Shelton flew numerous combat sorties to recover killed and wounded soldiers and is directly credited with saving the lives of three United States Army Rangers, and the recovery of twenty more from denied and extremely hostile areas in the face of heavy enemy fire. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Sergeant Shelton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.