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 Terrence A. Treutel, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Naha Air Base, Okinawa, on 27 July 1970. On that date, Sergeant Treutel made numerous dives to recover personnel and important documents from a large civilian cargo airliner, which had crashed in the ocean near the runway. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite the hazards of jagged metal in the wreckage, incoming tides, and a heavy concentration of jet fuel in the salt water, Sergeant Treutel persevered in his humanitarian efforts until no further possibility of survival existed for the trapped crewmembers. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Treutel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Airman’s Medal
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Airman’s Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Staff SergeantAction Date:
November 18 – 22, 1970
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 Staff Sergeant Terrence A. Treutel, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life approximately 800 miles south of Tokyo, Japan, from 18 November 1970 to 22 November 1970. On those dates, Sergeant Treutel parachuted into the open sea under adverse conditions to render assistance to eleven Japanese fishermen whose boat had sunk. He continued to provide medical treatment, communications assistance, and survival aid while the survivors were transferred to a patrol vessel on the high seas and taken to land. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Treutel has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.