AIR COMMANDO 2 Stemple, John H.

Lone Survivor
By Marcus Luttrell

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Stemple
  • FORENAME
John H.
  • UNIT
37 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (3 A.R.R. Group)
  • RANK
Staff Sergeant
  • NUMBER
  • AWARD
Silver Star,Airman's Medal
  • PLACE
off coast of Palau 1965(SM) Laos 1967(SS)
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
pararescueman

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 John H. Stemple, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life near Babelthaut Island, Palau, Trust Territories, on 25 February 1965. On that date, Sergeant Stemple volunteered to jump to the assistance of twenty-four crew members aboard the Filipino tanker Mount Arayat which had run aground on a reef and was breaking up, despite the knowledge that he might be seriously injured in heavy seas or dragged over the reef, and aware of the constant danger of fire. The calmness and self-assurance of Sergeant Stemple prevented the crew from abandoning the tanker and resulted in their rescue without injury or loss of life. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, Sergeant Stemple has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
 
Top