A US airman who dragged three people from the burning wreckage of a plane crash, extinguishing flames with his bare hands, will today be recognised for his bravery.
At RAF Lakenheath, The U.S Air Force will award Staff Sgt. Greggory Swarz the Airman’s Medal during the wing’s 2015 Maintenance Professional of the Year Awards Banquet.
A U.S Air Force spokesman said: “In the aftermath of a fatal plane crash at Los Llanos Air Base in Spain, Swarz exposed himself multiple times to intense heat, toxic smoke and flying debris to give lifesaving first aid for three French airmen wounded in the explosion and ensuing fire.
“Swarz dragged two airmen from the accident site to safety while extinguishing flames with his bare hands.
“Ignoring his own injuries, he exposed himself to danger again to retrieve a third airman from the crash site. “Finally, Swarz transferred the wounded airmen to a makeshift emergency vehicle and gave medical treatment until the first ambulance arrived.”
The Airman’s Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. or of a friendly nation who, while serving with the U.S. Air Force, distinguish themselves by a heroic act, usually at the risk of their own life.
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