Staff Sergeant James D. Burch, Jr.

Staff Sergeant James D. Burch, Jr. distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed force at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 29 April 1975. Amidst heavy artillery, rocket firepower, panic stricken Vietnamese Air Force Pilots and refugees, he steadfastly maintained his post alone in the control tower to provide air traffic control and safety advisories in direct support of the emergency evacuation of Americans from the besieged South Vietnamese capital. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Burch has reflected great credit upon himself and the United State Air Force.