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 Warrant Officer John T. Abbott, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 27 July 1968, at Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Georgia. A UH-1C helicopter had lost its tail rotor in flight and subsequently crashed on the airfield in a mass of flames and twisted metal. Warrant Officer Abbott, seeing the tragedy, raced to the burning wreckage and unhesitatingly entered the cockpit in an effort to free the injured pilot. His efforts seemed futile, as foam being sprayed on the fire was blinding him and covering the victim. Realizing that the flames were only inches from the fuel cell and that he was virtually unprotected from the heat, Warrant Officer Abbott continued to try to free the pilot and keep him from drowning. After freeing the pilot and carrying him to safety, Warrant Officer Abbott dauntlessly returned to the burning wreckage to aid in the rescue of the copilot. Warrant Officer Abbott returned to the aircraft three times to assist in removing the injured crew. These valorous actions performed by Warrant Officer Abbott represent heroism and devotion to duty and its truest form. Warrant Officer Abbott’s complete disregard for his own safety is evidence of his sincere dedication to his fellow soldiers and reflects great write up on himself and be United States Army.