A Kansas National Guard soldier has received a heroism award.

According to the National Guard, Master Sgt. Joshua Manning, information technology specialist, 177th Information Aggressor Squadron, received the Airman’s Medal for heroism and putting his own life in danger to help save another.

On April 23, 2017, an intoxicated driver’s tire exploded and caught fire. Manning and another bystander rushed to the driver’s aid. They attempted to pull the driver out of the vehicle but, the driver resisted. Manning and the bystander were able to forcibly enter the burning vehicle, pull out the driver and drag him to safety.

“We all have those moments where it’s go or no go, and sometimes you don’t have time to think,” said Manning. “You either act or don’t act, and I am fortunate that it all turned out well and no lives were lost.”

“It is ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” said Maj. Gen. Lee E. Tafanelli, adjutant general, Kansas National Guard. “And on that day Technical Sergeant Manning had several choices he could have made. Several choices that no one would have faulted, but the choice he made was one that lead him to spring into action and risk his own life to save another individual.”

The Airman’s Medal was established in 1960 to recognize heroic actions in a non-combat situation or setting.