Lt Paul R. Wolff, MC, USNR, saves crewmen during ordeal within collapsed aircraft fuselage after crash

Lt Paul R. Wolff, MC, USNR, is the first to receive Pride and Professionalism recognition for his heroic and professional action while responding to the crash of a Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force PS-1 aircraft. At the time of the crash, Dr. Wolff was assigned as the senior flight surgeon representing the First Marine Aircraft Wing and Naval Regional Medical Center Branch Clinic, Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan. On 26 April, 1983, the aircraft crashed just outside the perimeter of the Marine Corps Air Station. Lt Wolff was the first medical person to arrive at the crash site and immediately took charge of the medical aspects of the rescue. Upon learning that several air-crew members were still trapped inside the smoldering wreckage, he unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety while fully aware of the personal dangers involved, entered the wreckage to provide medical care to the injured during a 4-hour period. Lt Wolff's bravery, superlative knowledge, exceptional skills, and outstanding leadership abilities under extremely dangerous circumstances led to saving the lives of three crewmen who were trapped. Below is a narration of the events that took place after the crash and Lt Wolff's medical response in the ensuing hours. It is given by Lt Wolff as he recounts the events.