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 Captain Daniel James Birrenkott, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Skokomish River in Olympic National Park, Washington, on 6 August 1993. On that date, Captain Birrenkott leaped into a swift, cold river to rescue his brother, Andrew Birrenkott. Despite being pulled under in a swirling whirlpool, Captain Birrenkott persevered in his humanitarian effort. He struggled to pull the drowning man to the safety of a rock and eventually to the river bank where he treated the victim for shock. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Captain Birrenkott reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.