Korean War heroism etched in stone at Enlisted Heritage Hall Published June 25, 2026 By Brian Ferguson Barnes Center for Enlisted Education MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Seventy-four years after Tech. Sgt. James H. Ledford saved his wounded pilot and crippled aircraft over North Korea, his extraordinary heroism was permanently etched in stone at the Enlisted Heritage Hall’s Walk of Heroes, June 24, 2026. Col. Damian Schlussel, representing the Schlussel Family Foundation, which sponsored the creation of the monument, joined retired Col. Joe Panza, executive director of the Air University Foundation, for the official unveiling. Schlussel serves as the director of Air Force Security Forces at the Pentagon. "Tech. Sgt. Ledford’s actions represent the absolute pinnacle of what it means to be an Airman," Schlussel said. "The Schlussel Family Foundation is profoundly honored to help ensure his story of selfless sacrifice remains a guiding light for future generations of defenders and warfighters." The dedication ceremony celebrated Ledford for his extraordinary combat heroism, a feat of survival and duty that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Notably, Ledford and Pfc. Desmond L. Wilkerson are the only enlisted Air Force service members to receive the Distinguished Service Cross before the creation of the Air Force Cross in 1960. According to his official citation, Ledford displayed incredible courage on Dec. 8, 1952, while serving as an engineer on a B-26 Invader over North Korea. During the mission, his pilot was severely wounded, sending the aircraft into a steep, uncontrolled dive. Ledford quickly grabbed the controls, pulling the plane up just in time to avoid a catastrophic crash. Despite the pilot urging the crew to bail out, Ledford and the navigator chose to remain and provide critical aid. Ledford closely monitored the instruments, and his skillful management of the fuel-starved engines was crucial in reaching a friendly airfield. Upon landing, he safely brought the heavily damaged aircraft to a stop using the emergency brakes. His decisive actions saved the lives of his crew and preserved the aircraft. The Walk of Heroes leads to the Enlisted Heritage Hall’s outdoor exhibits and is dedicated exclusively to enlisted recipients of service crosses, the nation’s second-highest military decorations for valor. The addition of Ledford’s monument provides a physical touchstone for current and future service members to reflect on the core values and warfighting spirit of the Armed Forces. "Having this monument on the Walk of Heroes allows us to tangibly connect today’s enlisted force with the monumental bravery of those who paved the way," said Melissa Sims, Air Force Enlisted Heritage Research Institute curator. "It is our duty to ensure that the stories of heroes like Tech. Sgt. Ledford are never forgotten." The Enlisted Heritage Research Institute and Enlisted Heritage Hall are uniquely dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the enlisted force. The monument is now permanently on display, standing alongside other tributes that memorialize the bravery and commitment of enlisted personnel.