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 Staff Sergeant Billy W. Wheeler (ASN: RA-24794213), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 31 January 1969 while serving as a control vehicle commander with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while elements of several friendly units were involved in road clearing operations in dense jungle, a large tree hit a vehicle and injured one of Sergeant Wheeler’s comrades. Reacting instantly, he mounted the vehicle and began administering first aid to the injured soldier. Suddenly a second tree began falling toward the two men. Realizing that the injured man could not move, Sergeant Wheeler pushed him to the opposite side of the vehicle. Before Sergeant Wheeler could reach safety, he was struck and injured by the falling tree. Staff Sergeant Wheeler’ s selfless concern for his comrade was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.