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) Lawrence E. Gillespie (ASN: 0-5520570), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of Troop A, 3d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, on the afternoon of 28 May 1967 while serving as an Aero Weapons Section Commander participating in a firepower demonstration at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Two troop carrying helicopters participating in the demonstration developed serious trouble shortly after takeoff and fell to the ground in a massive flame. Captain Gillespie, seeing the tragedy, landed his helicopter close to the burning wreckage. He ran to the nearest burning wreckage to render any assistance possible. Arriving at the site, he could see no sign of life in the entangled and flaming wreckage. He then ran to the other burning wreckage. He sighted his platoon leader inside the burning wreckage attempting to rescue a pinned soldier. Seeing that his platoon leader was being overcome by the smoke and flame, Captain Gillespie used his small fire extinguisher, but to no avail. He then pulled his platoon leader, who was coughing and gasping for breath, from the wreckage. As Captain Gillespie was pulling his platoon leader away from the intense heat and smoke, they heard another desperate cry from the soldier inside the wreckage. Captain Gillespie returned with his platoon leader and rescued the burning soldier from the wreckage. He used a fire extinguisher to smother the flames on the last surviving soldier to be pulled from the flaming aircraft. Captain Gillespie remained calm at the site, helping and directing the loading of the two injured soldiers aboard his helicopter and took off for Ireland Army Hospital. He notified the airfield control tower of the emergency situation and continued to lead the way for three other medical evacuation helicopters. He managed to land his heavily loaded armed helicopter, as only a professional could have done. He further helped unload the injured personnel and immediately returned to the crash site to offer further assistance. Captain Gillespie’s actions were truly heroic. He remained calm in the face of grave personal danger and acted with outstanding leadership. His outstanding devotion to his fellow man has set a sterling example in keeping with the highest military traditions. By this noble act, Captain Gillespie has brought great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.