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HUNSTANTON, England – Key leaders from the U.S. Air Force’s 67th Special Operations Squadron, assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, and townspeople of Hunstanton, England, gathered together during a remembrance ceremony Nov. 12, 2018, to commemorate the lives saved during the horrendous flood that took place in 1953.
“On Veteran's Day in the United States, we remember the sacrifices that have been made in order to secure our freedoms. On Remembrance Day here, we honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. Through the years, our countries have fought side by side, so being here and taking part in this event was a very humbling experience,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Steve Pressler, Senior Enlisted Leader for the 67th SOS.
The 67th Air Rescue Squadron was stationed at Royal Air Force base Sculthorpe alongside British forces when the deadly storms ripped into the nearby town of Hunstanton.
“That area of Britain is called the ‘Wash’ and that name comes from the inundation of the types of tides when they come in. These storms not only brought in a lot of rainfall but they created a large tidal surge,” said William Landau, 352nd Special Operations Wing Historian.
Something had to be done, and quickly. “67th ARS possessed the only rescue equipment immediately available in the area,” said Landau.
The rescue team worked relentlessly through the night and by mid-morning had evacuated nearly 150 people. Of the countless Airman that responded that night, was Airman 2nd Class Reis Leming, who despite not being able to swim treaded into icy waters as high as 6 ft. 4 in., towing a life raft and saving the lives of 27 people.
From those actions, Leming was awarded the George medal award, which is the second highest award that can be given for valor in the British Army system. He also became the first non-British person awarded this during peacetime.
In 2014, during a similar ceremony, the 67th was presented the Freedom of Hunstanton, for the vital role U.S. Airmen played during the 1953 floods that devastated the area and claimed the lives of more than 60 people.
The ceremony, similar to the American tradition of receiving the keys to the city, marks only the second time a U.S. Air Force squadron has received the freedom of a British town, according to reports.
“The ceremony honors those who gave their lives for their country. Continuing this ceremony from year to year carries-on this tradition of honor, and passes it down to the next generation,” said Pressler.
The 67th ARS unit has since transitioned to the 67th Special Operations Squadron, assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing, stationed in the United Kingdom. Now, 65 years later, the bond between the U.S. Air Force and the city of Hunstanton remains strong.
“Airman Leming's actions during the 1953 flood represent the character of the US military as a whole. He put his own safety at risk in order to rescue 27 individuals from flood waters,” said Pressler. “This kind of courage and bravery are displayed every day by countless service members all across the world. Because of his actions, the town of Hunstanton and the 67 SOS are forever connected.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2018 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 300090 |
| Location: | HUNSTANTON, GB |
| Web Views: | 186 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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