Kellyville Airman honored for river rescue

The US Air Force will honor an Oklahoma airman today for what he did out of uniform. <br/><br/>Back in December, Kellyville resident Joshua Johnson rescued a woman and her baby after their car went into

Thursday, March 10th 2005, 5:58 am

By: News On 6

The US Air Force will honor an Oklahoma airman today for what he did out of uniform.

Back in December, Kellyville resident Joshua Johnson rescued a woman and her baby after their car went into the chilly Arkansas River in Tulsa. Airman Johnson was on leave from his post in Mississippi at the time.

6 in the Morning reporter Omar Villafranca says Airman Joshua Johnson will receive the Airman's Medal. It's an award given to Air Force personnel for performing acts of heroism and risking their lives while not in an armed conflict.

On December 23rd, Airman Johnson was at the right place at the right time. He just finished asking his girlfriend to marry him when he saw a car swerve off the road and splash into the freezing Arkansas River. Without hesitation, he jumped into the river and rescued 34-year old Detura Bills and her 2-year old son Brandon.

Johnson was treated for hypothermia at the hospital.

Several local businesses set up a hero fund for Johnson. The money collected will be a wedding gift for the new couple.

Earlier this year, Governor Brad Henry gave Airman Johnson the Heroic Oklahoman Award for his bravery.

Now, the Air Force will honor Johnson with a small, private ceremony at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi.