Edward M. Willis

The President of the United States takes Pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Edward M. Willis, Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Pararescue/Recovery Specialist in Southeast Asia on 8 October 1969. On that date, Sergeant Willis was a crewmember on an HH-53, which rescued a seriously injured airman from certain death. Sergeant Willis and his fellow crewmembers descended into a known hostile area before it was deemed safe. Sergeant Willis then descended on the rescue hoist to aid the downed airman who was hanging upside down unconscious in a tree, suspended only by his trapped, broken ankle. Although continuous ground fire was observed around his position, Sergeant Willis successfully completed the rescue and saved the injured airman from certain death. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Willis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.