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 Captain Charles Wayland Smyth, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States. On 25 March 1969, Captain Smyth was piloting a RF-101 aircraft which, just prior to landing, developed severe mechanical difficulties rendering it unfit to land and thereby forcing Captain Smyth to eject over a densely populated area. Prior to ejection, Captain Smyth successfully guided his aircraft to a safe crash area by a series of actions, which endangered his own life to such a degree that his survival was in great peril. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellow man at the risk of his own life, Captain Smyth has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.