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 Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Simmons (AFSN: AF-13150246), United States Air Force, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving with the 3d Air/Security Police Squadron at Bien Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, 18 August 1968. On that date, Sergeant Simmons responded to a notification of a disturbance and found an individual hanging by his hands from the framework of a large water tower approximately fifty feet above the ground. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Simmons, despite the hazards, unhesitatingly climbed to the location of the individual. He continued until he succeeded in maneuvering the individual to a safe position where Sergeant Simmons used his own body to hold the individual to prevent his falling to the ground. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Staff Sergeant Simmons reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.