The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Achievement Medal with Valor to Staff Sergeant Joshua C. Sevilla, United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement as HC-130P Hydraulics System Craftsman, 79th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, 449th Air Expeditionary Group, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. On 28 November 2006, in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Sevilla engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force as a peacetime governmental detainee at El Fashir, Sudan. While conducting an air-land mission, Sergeant Sevilla and his crew were forcibly detained by members of the Sudanese military. Under false accusations of espionage, the Sudanese demanded the surrender of all crew members and the aircraft. Without hesitation, he stood up arms and positioned himself in harm’s way to deny an overwhelming force of more than 150 Sudanese soldiers the ability to control the aircraft. Sergeant Sevilla’s courageous participation in the force protection plan guaranteed the security of the aircraft and the survival of the crew, enabling all 17 American detainees to return home with honor. By his prompt action and humanitarian regard for his fellow Airmen, Sergeant Sevilla has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.