Keesler Air Force Base shares the story of a Medal of Honor recipient

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- Keesler Air Force Base shared the story of one airman who served in the Vietnam War.

John Levitow is a Medal of Honor recipient and the Levitow Training Support Facility on base is named after him.

During a mission in 1969, Levitow risked his life to save his crew. He was on a mission when enemy mortar fire made over 3,500 holes in the aircraft fuselage and damaged the wing.

Levitow was injured and losing blood, but was able to throw a lit flare from the aircraft. The flare ignited in the air; it would have caused more damage if it was in the aircraft