On June 29, 1987, Majors Lars-Erik Blad, Roger Möller, and Krister Sjöberg, and Lieutenant Bo Ignell, who were assigned to the F13 Bråvalla Fighter Wing, Norrköping, Sweden, came to the aid of a severely crippled United States Air Force (USAF) SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft flying on a “Baltic Express” mission over international waters.

Not knowing what they might encounter, they piloted two Swedish 37 Viggen fighter aircraft to assist. Their courage, quick response and outstanding professionalism, including their willingness to accompany the SR-71 beyond Swedish territorial boundaries, ensured the United States could recover the damaged aircraft safely at a NATO airbase in Germany. Yesterday, United States Air Force Major General Williams presented the four former Swedish pilots with the U.S. Air Force Air Medal at the U.S. Ambassador's residence in Stockholm.