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 Airman First Class Carter Howard, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Oxnard, California, on 26 September 1963. On that date, Airman Howard, spending an off-duty afternoon on the beach, saw a child drowning approximately two hundred yards from shore. With complete disregard for his own safety, and completely aware of a strong undertow and rip tide, unhesitatingly entered the surf and rescued the child without assistance. Artificial respiration was applied and the child survived. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Airman Howard has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.