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 Willie Edd Bolton, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, on 8 February 1973. Sergeant Bolton, without regard to his own personal safety, extinguished a fire that had developed on a portable pump he was utilizing in the performance of his duties. The quick thinking of Sergeant Bolton and his ability to respond under adverse conditions prevented a major disaster which could have killed a number of individuals and possibly destroyed a pump house full of JP-4. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Bolton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.