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 James F. Spears, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 March 1969. On that date, Sergeant Spears went to the aid of an exhausted swimmer who had been swept to sea by a strong undertow. With complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Spears, despite the presence of many sharks and the proven power of the undertow, jumped from his helicopter into the sea beside the struggling swimmer and successfully pulled him through the surf to safety on the beach. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Spears has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.