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 Technical Sergeant John H. Van Cleef, Jr., United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Sharon, North Dakota, on 23 January 1982. On that date, Sergeant Van Cleef was notified at 0300 hours that seven airmen from Grand Forks Air Force Base had been snowbound by a severe blizzard for more than eight hours. After failing in all attempts to locate any vehicle which could reach the stranded party, he walked more than four miles in gale force winds, blinding snow and minus 70 degree wind-chill temperature. Upon reaching the party, he assured that all individuals were properly clothed and led them safely to a farmhouse three miles from where they had been stranded. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Van Cleef has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.