A real American hero Published March 20, 2009 By Senior Airman Wesley Wright Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Air Force security forces Airmen are trained to persevere and take charge in many emergency situations, and for one Airman here it meant keeping a level head in a life-and-death situation. Senior Airman Christopher McDonald, 791st Missile Security Forces Squadron, was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal during a ceremony at the Jimmy Doolittle Center here March 20 for his actions Aug. 23, 2008, when he helped save a young girl's life in a vehicle accident. Airman McDonald and his family were traveling through Whiting, Iowa, when Airman McDonald saw a car accelerate in an attempt to go around an 18-wheel truck. After realizing the passing lane was blocked, the driver attempted to return to his lane causing a severe collision with the rear of the truck. The car came to rest in the median. Airman McDonald quickly pulled his car to the roadside and ran to the accident scene while dialing 911. As Airman McDonald approached the scene, the driver exited the crashed vehicle yelling, "she is dead," referring to the front seat passenger. "At first it was a little scary," Airman McDonald said. "I've never seen anything like that before. I didn't know what to expect. The 911 dispatcher wanted me to check the pulse of the passenger in the front seat. After confirming that she was deceased I started checking for others." Airman McDonald then saw a second unconscious female in the rear seat with glass protruding from her forehead. He began to check her vital signs when she came to. "At that point I saw the 14-year-old and she wasn't moving and my first thought was we have another fatality," Airman McDonald said. "When I got in the car and checked her pulse I knew that was not the case. I was excited because she was alive and then started looking at what we need to do next." As Airman McDonald retrieved a first aid kit the young girl fell unconscious again. He then performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until she regained consciousness. He then treated her head wound and remained with her until paramedics arrived. Col. Peter N. Micale, 91st Security Forces Group commander, was proud of the actions of his Airman. "He had a choice he could have made out there. A lot of people would have kept on driving," Colonel Micale said. "Airman McDonald saw something happen and he took care of it. He did the right thing and represented all of us well." Airman McDonald attributed his actions in large part to his military training. "I've been through several classes, CPR classes, Self Aid and Buddy Care training, Combat Life Saver and things like that," Airman McDonald said. "From the training I had some insight on what I needed to do." Although grateful for the award, Airman McDonald was humbled and said he did not expect to receive any recognition. "I didn't want to get any recognition for this because someone lost their life," Airman McDonald said. "I didn't tell anyone. The mom contacted the base commander and that's how it got going." Shortly after the accident, Airman McDonald logged onto the funeral home website and posted his condolences for the family, recognizing the suffering they are going through. "It has changed me a little bit," Airman McDonald said. "I've found a calling. I want to get in the medical career field some day and help people wherever I can. I know if I come across that situation again I'll act the same way." While Airman McDonald considers his actions something "anyone would do," his medal citation sums it up: "By his prompt action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Airman McDonald has reflected credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."