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 (Infantry) Obel H. Wells, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of the 24th Aviation Company, 24th Infantry Division, on 30 January 1960, in the vicinity of Grampersdorf, Germany. When the helicopter piloted by Captain Wells on a route reconnaissance struck heavy power lines which were perpendicular to the path of flight, the impact ruptured the fuel tank, smashed the bubble of helicopter, and drenched both Captain Wells and a passenger with burning gasoline. After the aircraft had crashed to the ground, both he and the passenger managed to extricate themselves from the burning wreckage; however the passenger was weakened by severe burns and shock, and was unable either to move away from the aircraft or to extinguish the flames which immediately engulfed him. Only the right fuel tank of the helicopter had ruptured upon impact with the wires, and the danger of the other fuel tank exploding at any moment was constantly imminent. Captain Wells extinguished the flames on his own body and, without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, and despite the fact he was also severely burned, re-entered the danger area and dragged the passenger from the immediate reach of the flames. With the assistance of a German national, he put out the flames on the burning victim, using his bare hands and body. After receiving additional painful burns from these actions, he lost consciousness. The unselfish and courageous heroism displayed by Captain Wells in saving the life of his fellow soldier in this sudden emergency, at the risk of losing his own, is in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflects the utmost credit on himself and the military service.