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 First Lieutenant Christopher Cary Soto, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at George Air Force Base, California, on 20 April 1978. On that date, First Lieutenant Soto’s aircraft crashed during a high speed abort on takeoff. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Soto, despite the hazard of exploding fuel, returned to the flaming aircraft and persevered in his humanitarian efforts until he succeeded in removing his injured pilot to a place of safety. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Soto reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.