The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Achievement Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster, with Valor) to Senior Airman Kimberly A. Sweeney, United States Air Force. Senior Airman Sweeney distinguished herself by an action of courage as HC-130P Loadmaster, 79th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, 449th Air Expeditionary Group, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. On 28 November 2006, while in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM-HORN OF AFRICA, she engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force as a peacetime governmental detainee at El Fashir, Sudan. Airman Sweeney and her crew were forcibly detained by armed members of the Sudanese military. In the face of an overwhelming force, Airman Sweeney boldly refused to surrender herself despite threats of torture. She secured sensitive equipment and prepared classified material for destruction. Without hesitation, Airman Sweeney took up arms, positioned herself in harm’s way, and denied an overwhelming force of over 150 troops the ability to control the aircraft. Airman Sweeney’s actions ensured all 17 American detainees returned with honor. By her prompt action and humanitarian regard for her fellow Airmen, Airman Sweeney reflected great credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.