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Headquarters, Far East Air Forces
General Orders No. 245 - May 28, 1951
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Staff Sergeant John H. Odom, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 20 January 1951. Sergeant Odom displayed extraordinary courage by climbing an oil soaked wooden platform approximately ten feet high to extinguish flames that surrounded a diesel engine and a 100 gallon fuel tank mounted on the platform. Ignoring the danger involved, he made several trips from the ground to the fire carrying a tool box containing sand which he used to smother the flames. His quick thinking and courageous action prevented great damage to Government property. Sergeant Odom's valorous performance in an extremely hazardous situation was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.