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 Lieutenant Colonel John W. Long, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of live on 15 May 2006 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Lieutenant Colonel Long’s actions directly resulted in the safe evacuation of a United States Air Force dependent wife and her two children from a burning, smoke-filled residence along with 12 families who shared a multi-unit apartment complex. In the early morning hours, a gas explosion occurred on the porch of an apartment complex causing heavy smoke and flames. Lieutenant Colonel Long heard the explosion and, without hesitation, ran to the neighboring complex. Fueled by the gas grill’s venting propane tank, flames had completely engulfed the outside wall and had already entered ;the quarters. Another five minutes and the flames would have completely breached the building’s rooftop. With unfaltering courage, Lieutenant Colonel Long ensured the burning residence was evacuated and alerted the remaining building occupants of the imminent danger to their lives. Simultaneously, he alerted he fire department and continued to clear the building until emergency personnel arrived. Lieutenant Colonel Long’s quick thinking and selfless actions prevented loss of life and ensured the safety of 12 Air Force families as well as mitigated the damage to the apartment complex. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Long reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.