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 Candidate [Specialist Fifth Class] Stephen E. Briese, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 20 November 1968 while assigned to the 5th Warrant Officer Candidate Company, 2d Battalion, Troop Brigade, United States Army Primary Helicopter Center/School, Fort Wolters, Texas. At approximately 0945 hours, while at Stagefield 1, Warrant Officer Candidate Briese observed a helicopter crash on lane one. Upon ground impact, the fuel cell ruptured and approximately 30 gallons of fuel were spilled over the crash area. The instructor pilot received fatal injuries and the student pilot was pinned in the cockpit and received critical injuries. Warrant Officer Candidate Briese and another soldier immediately ran toward the wreckage. They wore no protective clothing and had no training in aircraft crash rescue. They freed the student pilot from the cockpit and carried him away from the aircraft. Approximately 45 seconds later an intense fire broke out, engulfing the entire aircraft. Warrant Officer Candidate Briese had reacted with total disregard for his own personal safety, ignoring the fact that a severe fuel fire was imminent. His quick thinking and decisive action in this emergency were instrumental in saving the injured students life. Warrant Officer Candidate Briese’s heroic action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army Primary Helicopter Center/School, and the military service.