The Air Force is honoring a Georgia-based airman credited with preventing a potentially deadly explosion in Afghanistan.

Master Sgt. Gene B. Jameson III is scheduled to be awarded the bronze star for valor Thursday at Robins Air Force Base in middle Georgia.

The military says Jameson earned the medal because of actions he took while helping direct firefighting efforts last year when a rocket attack in Afghanistan sparked a 5-acre fire.

Officials say Jameson spotted flames advancing within 10 feet of two crates containing grenades and shoulder-fired missiles. He successfully prevented the fire from reaching the crates and causing an explosion.

Jameson will receive the bronze start from Col. Joseph H. Scherrer, commander of the 689th Combat Communications Wing.

Tags: Robins Air Force Base, Afghanistan, bronze star, Sgt. Gene Jameson III