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 Charles Ray Barnes, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Jackson, Mississippi, on 31 October 1989. On that date, Sergeant Barnes rushed to the area where a tractor trailer had hit an embankment, flipped three times, and came to rest on its side. With complete disregard for his own safety, knowing the tractor could explode at any moment, Sergeant Barnes climbed inside the smoking vehicle to free the trapped driver. Sergeant Barnes’ quick thinking and selfless action in the face of a clearly life threatening situation prevented certain loss of life. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Sergeant Barnes reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.