The Air Medal was awarded to Lieutenants James H. Brown and John R. Noll for their role in the largest medevac operation undertaken during World War II. This occurred in Luzon in June 1945, when at least 70 wounded soldiers were airlifted from the front lines to rear-area hospitals by helicopters of the 5th and 6th Aircraft Repair Units. This marked the first time that U.S. helicopters came under concentrated enemy fire.

Credits - Air Force History Support Office