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 Sergeant John D. Willis, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Interstate Highway 880, Oakland, California, from 18 October 1989 through 22 October 1989. On these dates, Sergeant Willis searched and recovered earthquake victims trapped between the collapsed highway system. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Willis entered the devastated highway system without hesitation, despite the hazard of being crushed by one of the estimated 2,000 aftershocks and persevered in his humanitarian efforts until his mission was accomplished. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Willis has reflected great credit on himself and the United States Air Force.



