U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Daniel Carpenter has been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, recognizing meritorious service from Jan. 16, 2007-Dec. 1, 2011.

Assigned to the 4th Equipment Squadron, 4th Maintenance Group of the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Carpenter cleared personnel and extinguished an engine fire, saving four lives and a $53 million aircraft.

Carpenter, a 2002 graduate of South Effingham High School, also helped complete 218 phase inspections, returning more than 67,000 flying hours and he was also a key factor in the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing earning the 2011 Meritorious Unit Award, according to his commendation.

Carpenter has served six tours of duty overseas.