Airman rescues injured 79-year-old woman during hiking accident

ASHFORD, Wash. (Gray News) – An off-duty Airman rescued a 79-year-old woman who broke her ankle during a hike to lay her mother’s ashes to rest.

Ursula Bannister makes an annual trip to hike High Rock Lookout.

“I know the trail very well, and there are always many people there,” Bannister told the U.S. Army. “When I couldn’t find anyone to accompany me on this outing, I just went by myself.”

As she was heading down the steep mountain trail, she stepped into a shallow hole and snapped her ankle.

A group of hikers flagged down two young men to help Bannister.

“My first thought was if I could carry her down, I should carry her down and get her there as quickly as I can,” said Airman 1st Class Troy May, 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron heavy aircraft integrated avionics specialist.

May pulled Bannister onto his back and carried her down the trail, doing his best to ensure a smooth and level descent.

“She was definitely in a lot of pain,” May told the U.S. Army. “I told her just a few more steps and we’d get her there.”

The Army reported that May’s friend Layton Allen also helped to carry Bannister for a short time.

The pair of men took Bannister to the hospital for surgery and waited for her son to meet them there.

“I considered them my angels,” Bannister said.

May received an achievement medal for his selfless rescue.

“One of the Air Force’s core values is service before self, and Airman 1st Class May clearly exemplified that core value with his actions,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Clifford, 62nd AMXS commander.

“While our team of Airmen showcase amazing accomplishments every day, we relish the opportunity to focus on one Airman’s courage and recognize them for truly living the Air Force’s core values.”

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