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 Robert Lee Peterson, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Lake Fulmer, California, on 29 May 1972. On that date, Sergeant Peterson rushed to the scene where a girl was in immediate danger of drowning. Sergeant Peterson quickly reacted to the situation with complete disregard for his own safety. He unhesitatingly entered the water, swam a distance of approximately forty yards, and persevered in his humanitarian efforts until he succeeded in carrying the girl to shore where he administered artificial respiration until she regained consciousness. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Peterson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.