The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Chaplain) Richard E. Halvorsen, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 25 January 1969 while serving as the Chaplain of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an armored vehicle with a crew of four and a number of infantrymen riding on top detonated a large enemy mine. Upon hearing the explosion, Chaplain Halvorsen and several other men stationed nearby raced to the scene of the blast to assist the injured soldiers. Disregarding the flames which engulfed the vehicle and the possibility that ammunition inside would overheat and explode, he immediately moved one of the casualties from behind the vehicle to safety. Chaplain Halvorsen then returned to the danger area and helped evacuate three more injured soldiers. He continued to search the surrounding area until he was convinced that all of the injured had been moved to safety and were receiving medical assistance. Chaplain (Captain) Halvorsen’s courage, devotion to duty and concern for the welfare of his fellow men were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.