Pararescueman (PJ) Awards

Pararescueman Element Leader

Staff Sergeant Jordan Saint Claire distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Pararescueman element leader, 103rd Rescue Squadron, 106th Rescue Wing, Gabreski Airbase, West Hampton Beach, New York. During this period, Sergeant Saint Claire deployed to the island of Puerto Rico to conduct search and rescue operations in the wake of devastation inflicted by major Hurricane Irma. Immediately upon landing on the island, Sergeant St. Claire and his team were tasked to link up with Combat Controllers and restore operations at the airport on the island of St. Thomas that had been severely damaged during the storm. The team was then inserted onto the island via H-60 helicopter and remained in place until airfield operations were restored. Sergeant St. Claire's team was then immediately re-tasked to evacuate American citizens desperately stranded on the battered island of Saint Maarten that was then largely without law and order and lacked power and basic services. Over the next two days, Sergeant St Claire's steadfast leadership and dedication to the mission proved paramount in the successful evacuation of more than 1,500 American citizens flown on dozens of sorties. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Saint Claire reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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