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 Roy Allen Ghrist (AFSN: AF-16531487), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life at Wendell, North Carolina, on 24 May 1971. On that date, Sergeant Ghrist volunteered to climb a 140-foot water tower to rescue an injured steeplejack who had fallen inside the tower. With complete disregard for his own safety, he climbed the tower, entered the 18-inch opening, strapped the injured man to a litter, carrier the injured man to the opening and guided the hoist cable to the litter thereby rescuing the injured man. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant Ghrist has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.