The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Achievement Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster, with Valor) to Staff Sergeant Christopher D. Fuller, United States Air Force. Staff Sergeant Fuller distinguished himself by an act of courage as HC-130P Flight Engineer, 79th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, 449th Air Expeditionary Group, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. On 28 November 2006, while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-HORN OF AFRICA, he engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force as a peacetime governmental detainee at El Fashir, Sudan. On that date, while conducting an air-land mission, Sergeant Fuller and his crew were forcibly detained by armed members of the Sudanese military. Sergeant Fuller immediately readied the aircraft for departure by computing takeoff and landing data and briefing available systems for emergency communications and hostile environment repairs. His expertise provided a rapid engine start with a known malfunction and an 8 minute departure. Additionally, Sergeant Fuller valiantly defended the aircraft against an overwhelming opposing force of over 150 heavily armed Sudanese. Sergeant Fuller’s actions ensured all 17 American detainees returned with honor. By his prompt action and humanitarian regard for his fellow Airmen, Sergeant Fuller reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.