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 Chief Warrant Officer William L. Summers, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 13 June 1970. Warrant Officer Summers was the pilot of a cargo helicopter participating in disaster relief operations in the mountains of Peru in South America. On a final approach to a landing zone, one of the engines failed and the heavily loaded aircraft crashed on a steep mountain slope. Warrant Officer Summers freed himself from the demolished helicopter and then realized that other members of the crew were trapped in the wreckage. The fuel cells of the aircraft were pouring hundreds of gallons of highly volatile jet fuel on the ground and the wreckage adjacent to the number one engine which was still running. Fully aware that at any moment the hot exhaust from the still running engine may cause an explosion and fire, killing everyone in the wreckage, Warrant Officer Summers unhesitatingly dashed back into the remains of the helicopter. Searching through the twisted metal and scattered cargo, Warrant Officer Summers located the crew chief who was seriously injured and dragged him to a position of safety. With complete disregard for his own safety, he re-entered the wrecked helicopter and removed a Peruvian Air Force pilot who had been acting as navigator for the helicopter. He again entered the wrecked helicopter and searched until he was assured that no one remained aboard. Only then did he think of his personal safety and allow himself to be escorted away from the crash site. His heroism and concern for his comrades reflected great credit on him, his organization, and the United States Army.