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 Peter John Stankiewicz, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Great Falls, Virginia, on 17 March 1981. On that date, Sergeant Stankiewicz chanced upon the site of an accident involving a truck which had crashed through the safety rail of Cabin John Bridge and fallen into the Potomac River. Without regard to his own safety, Sergeant Stankiewicz led the effort to rescue the injured driver, descending the treacherously steep bank of the river, and swimming through water at a temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Though suffering from the effects of severe exposure after pulling the injured driver to the riverbank, Sergeant Stankiewicz remained with the rescue team, performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation until professional medical assistance arrived. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Stankiewicz has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.