Released by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD)China Lake Public Affairs Office--

By Doris Lance

“Any person who, while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States subsequent to Sept. 8, 1939, distinguishes, or has distinguished, himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight is authorized the Air Medal” reads President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9158, dated 11 May 1942.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael R. Burnette from Air Test & Evaluation Squadron Three One (VX-31) at NAWC Weapons Division China Lake was presented the Air Medal Award by VX-31’s Commanding Officer Bill Chubb at a ceremony on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005.

According to the citation signed for the President by Major General Keith J. Stalder, Commanding General, 3D Marine Aircraft Wing, the award was for Burnette’s meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a designated CH-46E Sea Knight Casualty Evacuation Corpsman while attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron Two Sixty Eight, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3D Marine Aircraft Wing during combat missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from March 2003 to July 2003.

Copy of the complete citation is available upon request.

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Attached Photo: (left) Commander William Chubb, VX-31's commanding officer, presents HM3 (FMF/NAC) Michael R. Burnette the Air Medal at a ceremony held Monday, Dec. 3 in the base theater.