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 Lieutenant Colonel Robert F. Thomas, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, on 15 February 1981. On that date, Colonel Thomas observed three persons who were being carried by a rip tide toward a pounding surf line and open sea. Despite the personal risk to himself, he managed to push two of the three to a point where they were assisted from the water by the others. He then went after the third victim, a six-year-old girl who was a non-swimmer. Upon reaching her, he carried her through the surf to open seas and supported her above water until airlift to shore was effected by a fire department helicopter. The exemplary courage and heroism demonstrated by Colonel Thomas reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Airman’s Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Airman’s Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
February 15, 1981
Headquarters, Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-255 (May 8, 1981) -
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
August 23, 1987 – June 30, 1990
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert F. Thomas, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Air Force Systems Command Hospital, Eastern Space and Missile Center, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, from 23 August 1987 to 30 June 1990. In this important assignment, his leadership, exemplary management techniques, and ceaseless efforts to upgrade medical accessibility to authorized beneficiaries resulted in numerous improvements to the expansion of medical care available at this facility. His work with Department of Defense, Space Transportation System, Contingency Support Office also resulted in reorganizing National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Space Shuttle Program with regard to the medical aspects of astronaut recovery during emergencies. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Thomas culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.