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 Jerry L. Peppers, 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 Peppers, seeing the tragedy, raced to the burning wreckage and unhesitatingly entered the cargo compartment in an effort to free an injured passenger. 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 cells and that he was virtually unprotected from the heat, Warrant Officer Peppers continue to try to free the passenger and keep him from being injured further. After carrying the injured man to safety, Warrant Officer Peppers dauntlessly returned to the aircraft to rescue still another man. Warrant Officer Peppers returned to the aircraft three times to assist in removing the injured crew. These valorous actions performed by Warrant Officer Peppers represent heroism and devotion to duty in its truest form. Warrant Officer Peppers’ complete disregard for his own safety is evidence of his sincere dedication to his fellow soldiers and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army.