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 Chief Master Sergeant Thomas R. Bridgers, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, on 23 March 1994. On that date, Chief Bridgers immediately responded to an F-16D crash site, which destroyed a C-141 aircraft. He began communicating with maintenance Control and the Tower providing a size-up of the damage. He provided the initial response in clearing Aerospace Ground Equipment from around an additional C-141 that was within minutes of becoming engulfed in flames and needed to be moved in order to decrease the danger facing responding firefighters battling the blaze. During this time he was continuously exposed to intense heat and choking smoke from the burning wreckage. One the equipment was moved a safe distance, he immediately proceeded to the paratroop staging area strewn with flaming debris and 20 millimeter ammunition to assist in patient triage and care. Chief Bridgers also began to establish a perimeter around the paratroop staging area and coordinate the location of the Hydrazine tank that was part of the F-16 aircraft. This highly toxic substance further endangered the injured and the rescue efforts of those in the staging area. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Chief Bridgers reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.