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 First Lieutenant John Douglas Batchelor, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life off the coast of Cape Kennedy Air Force Station, Florida, on 1 October 1969. On that date, First Lieutenant Batchelor participated in the recovery of a highly classified balloon-borne experimental system which had crashed into the sea following balloon breakaway from its launch site. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite the hazards of unexploded ordnance, lethal electrical voltages, and rising seas, First Lieutenant Batchelor dove into the sea and succeeded in recovering the balloon-borne payload valued in excess of $1,000,000. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Batchelor reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.