HULMAN FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. – When the weather gets dangerous Hoosiers can always rely on the 181st Intelligence Wing to come to the rescue.
Airmen from the 181st Intelligence Wing, Indiana Air National Guard were presented the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Service Medal here today.
The Indiana Distinguished Service Cross is the highest state medal and the Distinguished Service Medal is the second highest state medal a member of the Indiana National Guard may be awarded.
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Leis was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his Jan. 7 acts of heroism and Master Sgt. Damon Girton and Senior Airman Jacob Buker were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
When their vehicle and the ambulance the team was escorting were immobilized in snow, Leis and Buker trekked a quarter-mile, on foot, in negative 35-degree weather to reach a stranded patient and provide first aid until paramedics arrived.
Girton’s leadership and guidance to his Airmen directly contributed to the overall success for the 181st IW’s numerous successful missions during Operation Arctic Tempest from Jan. 6-8.
The 181st Intelligence Wing takes pride in being always ready and always prepared for the state of Indiana and the federal government.