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 E. Souza, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life in the Pacific Ocean from 24 to 27 November 1965. During this period, he parachuted into shark-infested and turbulent waters 550 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, to render medical assistance to a Japanese fisherman who had been bitten by a shark. He parachuted from an HC-97 aircraft voluntarily after several wind drift markers had been mistakenly picked up by the ship’s crew. He skillfully maneuvered his parachute so as to land very near the ship, after which he rendered immediate first aid and blood plasma to the victim. After remaining at the injured man’s side constantly for 36 hours, Sergeant Souza assisted in evacuating the patient in a small boat through high seas to a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. There he assisted the doctor aboard in keeping the patient alive. The injured man subsequently recovered. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Souza has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Airman’s Medal to Master Sergeant James E. Souza, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at sea on a mercy mission to a shipping vessel 450 miles northeast of Bermuda, on 1 November 1970. On that date, Airman First Class Dorrough parachuted with a comrade to the vessel despite high seas, poor weather, lack of communications and the advent of darkness, to aid a seriously ill seaman. Through their humanitarian efforts, they succeeded in saving the stricken seaman’s life. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Airman First Class Dorrough reflect great credit on himself and the United States Air Force.