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 Staff Sergeant William R. Plumley, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life on while serving with the 344th Bombardment Squadron, 98th Bombardment Wing (M), FIFTH Air Force, on 18 November 1951. On that date, Sergeant Plumley, a tail gunner on a B-29, took off on a combat mission over North Korea in an aircraft which was fully loaded with 500 pound bombs and a maximum load of gasoline. Half way down the runway, when the aircraft lost power and an unsuccessful effort was made to stop, the B-29 crashed and burst into flames. Sergeant Plumley had escaped when he noticed the Radar Operator, in a state of shock, beneath the tail section of the aircraft amidst fire and exploding ammunition. Although Sergeant Plumley was well aware of the delicate nature of bomb fusing, he completely disregarded personal safety, and at the risk of his life in the face of imminent explosion, rushed back to the burning aircraft and aided the Radar Operator to safety. Immediately thereafter the first bombs exploded. The exceptional courage displayed by Sergeant Plumley was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.