SrA Travis Manning, Combat Camera 

Senior Airman Travis Manning was assigned to the 11th Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa, Djibouti, as a combat camera videographer. His mission was to document the efforts of the United States and Coalition Forces in Djibouti.

In April 2007, he traveled to a small village in northern Djibouti to document a local veterinary civic action program. The team found a routine crossing point along their route flooded out. They also saw a man frantically signaling for help. Airman Manning and his team quickly followed the locals to a point where many people had gathered. Once there, they saw an injured youth stranded on a bank on the opposite side of the rushing waters. Under Airman Manning’s leadership the team quickly jumped into action. With only a rope for security, he crossed 75 meters of rising, fast-moving, chest-deep water to reach the stranded youth.

Airman Manning quickly assessed the victim and immediately provided first aid. Seeing he was too weak to cross the river, Airman Manning heaved the youngster on his shoulders and, blocking out the fear and pain, he ignored the danger of the rapid current and began his way back across the river to deliver the young man to safety.

"Anyone of you would have done the same," he said to his fellow Airmen when safely back at their encampment. Airman Manning was later awarded the Airman’s Medal for this heroic act.