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 Airman First Class David S. Branks, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at DaNang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 March 1970. On that date, Airman Branks, while off duty, rushed to the area where an aircraft crashed upon landing. With complete disregard for his own safety, Airman Branks, despite the hazard of exploding fuel cells, unhesitatingly entered the flaming aircraft and persevered in his humanitarian efforts until he succeeded in removing several of the injured victims to a place of safety. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Airman Branks has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force