T
he Air Force has awarded the Airman’s Medal, its highest award for non-combat heroism, to 2nd Lt. Shannon Bancroft for her actions during a four-car accident on a Florida highway. Bancroft, who is section commander of the 325th Maintenance Operations Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., pulled a woman from a smoke and gas filled car as gasoline poured over the lieutenant’s feet. She then assisted police in getting others away from the scene and aided paramedics.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.