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) Philip E. Courts, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as a member of Company C, 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion, 11th Air Assault Division, on 4 March 1965, in the vicinity of McKenna Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Georgia. During a transition training flight, Captain Courts was serving as first pilot aboard a CH-47A helicopter when it crashed after its engine failed and the aircraft caught on fire. Although he had managed to free himself from the burning helicopter, he quickly realized that his instructor pilot was still strapped to his seat. Then, with complete disregard for his own safety and despite the danger of the fuel tanks exploding, he reentered the aircraft and, by exerting extreme effort, succeeded in extricating the dazed instructor pilot from his pinned position in the helicopter and in assisting him to a place of safety. Captain Courts’ heroic conduct and prompt actions in this hazardous situation are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.