Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry to posthumously to receive Airman’s Medal

RENO — Nevada Air Guard Master Sgt. Michael Landsberry will be posthumously awarded the U.S. Air Force’s Airman’s Medal and the National Guard Association of the United States’ Valley Forge Cross for Heroism at 3 p.m. today at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Landsberry is set to become the first Nevada Guard Airman to receive the Airman’s Medal. The Airman’s Medal is reserved for U.S. or allied service members who, while working for the Air Force in any capacity, distinguish themselves by voluntary, non-combat heroic actions at the risk of life. Since its inception in 1960, only 243 Airman’s Medals have been awarded.

The Adjutant General of Nevada, Brig. Gen. Bill Burks, will present the awards. Sharon Landsberry, Michael Landsberry’s wife, will accept the awards.

Landsberry was killed Oct. 21, 2013, at Sparks Middle School while working at his civilian job as a teacher. Although he perished in the school shooting, officials said Landsberry’s actions saved many lives. Landsberry served in the Marine Corps before becoming a Nevada Guardsman in 2001.