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 Allen W. Hardy, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, on 23 March 1994. On that date, with complete disregard for his own personal safety and continuous exposure to intense heat, choking smoke, and exploding ordnance, Sergeant Hardy towed a C-141B aircraft from within 25 feet of a C-141 that was engulfed in flames following the crash of an F-16D. The resultant fireball caused over 100 casualties and 23 fatalities in an adjacent Army training area. His heroic actions saved 52.9 million dollars in aircraft and support equipment, but more critically, allowed 80 firefighters battling the blaze to do so without fear of secondary explosions from aircraft in close proximity. Sergeant Hardy exemplifies the best qualities of all the men and women in today’s Air Force who unselfishly serve their country. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Hardy reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.