The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Airman’s Medal to Senior Airman Alan W. Manuel, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Stuttgart Army Air Field, Germany, on 24 June 1977. On that date, Senior Airman Manuel re-entered a burning HH-53 helicopter to aid another Pararescueman in saving a crash victim. After escaping the burning aircraft, he heard a summons for help of another Pararescueman to extract a victim from the wreckage. Without hesitation, he re-entered the burning aircraft and helped drag the victim to safety. Once clear of the fire, he aided in extinguishing the flames on the victim’s face, hands, and right arm. It was not until medical teams arrived that Senior Airman Manuel noticed the second degree burns that were inflicted on his hands during the rescue. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Airman Manuel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Airman’s Medal
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Airman’s Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Senior Master SergeantAction Date:
April 17, 1992
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Airman’s Medal to Senior Master Sergeant Alan W. Manuel, United States Air Force, for 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.