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 Curtis W. Phythian, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life approximately 150 miles east of Tokyo, Japan, on 4 – 5 November 1968. On those dates Sergeant Phythian parachuted into rough seas, on a dark night, and made his own way to a United States merchant vessel with medical equipment. He skillfully maneuvered his parachute to land about 40 feet from the ship, after which he treated a seriously burned patient. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Phythian has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.